Ministers have announced stricter social distancing rules from today, and more businesses have been told to close.

We're are now being told to keep at least 2 metres (6 feet) apart to help slow the spread of coronavirus and reduce the impact on Jersey's health care services.

Social distancing was introduced for everyone in Jersey on Friday 20th March.

Spas, wellness centres and massage facilities - and betting shops - have been told to close.

So too have cinemas, theatres, concert halls, museums, galleries,  and indoor leisure and sports facilities - although most have already shut their doors.

Chief Minister Senator John Le Fondre says they are enacting the right measures at the right time for Jersey.

“Yesterday the UK introduced national self-isolation, based on their modelling and position on the curve.

Based on our clinical modelling and where we are on our curve, we have extended the following measures. I want to assure Islanders that we are enacting the right measures, at the right time, for Jersey. At this stage, that means strengthening our compliance with strict social distancing measures.

It is by no means an easy decision for Ministers to require that certain local businesses premises need to close, but it is in the best interests of Islanders’ health to do so and that remains our highest priority.

Measures to support businesses have been discussed by the Council of Ministers, with some already announced last week. We will continue to implement help for those people whose jobs and businesses have been directly impacted.”

Industry guidance is being issued to essential retailers to extend their social distancing to 2 metres.

Further information and announcements are expected during this week's States Assembly sitting which begins this morning.

It's taking place in Fort Regent so politicians can abide by the advice to stay the required distance away from each other.

Ministers are due to be given more legal powers to protect islanders, including forcing people to self-isolate and be tested if required.

On Monday night the UK Prime Minister announced strict new measures limiting when people can leave their homes.  Economic Development Minister Senator Lyndon Farnham tweeted to say Jersey should follow.

 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.