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Jersey to begin loosening border restrictions next month
Jersey will begin to loosen its border restrictions next month, the island’s government has announced.
It was confirmed on Friday (19 March) the island’s safer travel policy would be reintroduced in a phased manner from 26 April.
This, ministers said, would allow the island "to reconnect with the rest of the world".
Channel Islands carrier Blue Islands said it was ready to restore flights to Jersey from 26 April.
The first stage of the island’s efforts to emerge from the Covid crisis will involve reinstating its red, amber and green classifications for the UK and other Crown dependencies, broken down by region and subject to weekly review.
Arrivals from all other countries, including Ireland and those in mainland Europe, will remain subject to a 10-day self-isolation requirement.
Those arriving from the UK and other Crown dependencies from 26 April will have to provide their travel history in advance via an online portal, and submit to PCR testing for Covid-19 on days five and ten following their arrival.
Green zone arrivals will have to isolate until they have a negative result from their arrival test; those arriving from amber zones will have to self-isolate until they receive a day five negative test result, and those from red zones a day ten negative test result.
Anyone who tests positive will have to self-isolate for 14 days from the date of their positive test.
"Jersey’s red, amber, green classifications will be reintroduced for travel to Jersey from all other destinations no earlier than Monday 17 May," said the government.
Chief minister, senator John Le Fondre, said the government recognised connectivity was a "critical issue".
"We have developed a phased approach to reconnection, which safeguards our community and our successful vaccination programme, while also relaxing the restrictions for arriving passengers," he said.
"More than a year has now passed since we saw our first case in Jersey. People have lost their lives and we have all lost many freedoms, but we are in a good position now. We are moving towards an end to all restrictions and can approach our reconnection strategy with confidence."
Blue Island chief executive Rob Veron said the announcement was incredibly exciting. "This is the news we have all been waiting for, and provides assurance for consumers who are eager to travel.
"The easing of travel restrictions and aligning with the UK Common Travel Area means that the beautiful island of Jersey is open and ready to safely welcome guests once again.
"This will be an amazing opportunity to visit a beautiful and safe island, so close to home. Whether you are looking for a short break or a longer holiday, a trip to Jersey will feel a world away this summer. We are working closely with Visit Jersey to ensure that Jersey as a visitor destination will be more appealing than ever."
It will initially resume flights to Jersey from Southampton, Exeter, Bristol and Birmingham, and would adjust its schedules to meet demand.
Flights to Jersey from Newquay and East Midlands will be added later in the summer.
