All pubs, bars and nightclubs in Jersey have been told to close at 8pm tonight.

The Council of Ministers has announced its next steps to help to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Some pub chains have already begun closing. Liberation Brewery closed its bars yesterday, while Randalls followed suit - closing its pubs as of 4pm on Sunday.

Restaurants and pubs that serve meals to customers sat at tables which are far enough apart for 'social distancing' will be allowed to stay open.

As of Sunday afternoon, there are 35 confirmed cases of coronavirus in the Channel Islands - 15 in Jersey and 20 in Guernsey.

The island's Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, says many of us still haven't been following the advice to stay at home as much as possible.

"While there has been an overall drop in activity, it has not been enough, and we now need all nightclubs and bars to close, as well as any bar facilities in restaurants and pubs."

The island's Police Chief, Robin Smith, said on Twitter that many establishments still didn't have adequate measures for social distancing in place:

@JerseyPolice staff visited over 30 licensed premises this weekend. Some, not all, failed to take steps to socially distance. This MUST stop - it save lives. Its vital too our young people heed the advice. https://t.co/1EPEfEdd3T

— Robin Smith (@ChiefJersey) March 22, 2020

Jersey's government says more guidelines on social distancing will be issued over the coming days to support hospitality businesses which are remaining open.

Last week, Ministers announced a £180 million support package to help businesses including hospitality continue to pay their staff.

 Coronavirus Advice

If you think you might have the virus, you should self-isolate and call the Health Department's coronavirus helpline:

01534 445566

It's open every day between 8am and 8pm. Calls outside these times, or when the line is engaged, won't be answered straight away - but we're told to leave a message and Health officials will call you back.

Please don't visit your GP or the Emergency Department at the General Hospital if you think you have the virus.

Coronavirus symptoms are similar to that of the flu - a combination of a cough, fever and aching muscles. If you've had any symptoms, even if you haven't travelled abroad, we're being told to self-isolate until they clear up (for a minimum of seven days).

Anyone who has come into contact with a person confirmed to have the coronavirus should stay in self-isolation for at least 14 days.

All the latest information can be found on Gov.je.