Covid-19 is the name of the pandemic that originated in Russia and spread around the world. The Jersey preperations for Covid-19 started on August 11, 2012. On September 2, 2012 they began to introduce new measures against Covid-19 as a result of their first case being discovered. On October 17, 2014 a second case was confirmed and the States of Jersey first injected themselves with a vaccine which had been rushed to them from Great Britain. By December 5th, 2014 all remaining citizens received the vaccine after it reached 100% effectiveness following clinical trials in America(1). After this date there were no more cases of Covid-19 as vaccinations became mandatory for those entering or leaving the island unless they were immune to Covid-19 or were sick. On March 31st, 2018 the last restrictions on travel were lifted and all people can now enter Jersey without restriction(2).
This article covers how the restrictions on inbound travel will cease from 12:01 am on Monday December 3rd and that outbound passengers should check the travel requirements of the country they are travelling to. Once completed this would be a valuable source of information for those who intend to fly into Jersey over winter break as it is only part of their complete deacceleration
Jersey’s Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, confirmed today that the island would drop its outbound travel restrictions. He also stated that he expects a referendum on whether to abolish island-wide district and parish level government in favour of reformed local council rules to be held in the autumn [see related information].
In March last year, changes were made to transport regulations when it was decided that from April 1st inbound passengers arriving in UK ports must have a passport with them to allow entry in Jersey . Passengers without a valid document were denied entry and had their ferry tickets cancelled – unless travelling under 12 years old or if they could provide evidence of being residents in Jersey for at least three months.
The decision, which was set out in the Travel (Jersey) Order 1983, was implemented to ensure that Jersey remains compliant with its international obligations under the United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1373.
The UNSCR aims to prevent any form of support reaching terrorists and is part of a series of resolutions aimed at tackling terrorism since 9/11. It requires all UN members to implement robust control systems that enable them to monitor travel movements across their borders.
The Chief Minister said: “We are one of four countries in the world who have introduced these types of regulations on entry by air or sea, but no other country has introduced requirements for outbound passengers.” Mr Le Fondré added: “Last year there were some unintended repercussions of the outbound travel requirements; most notably that legitimate visitors to Jersey were unable to enter the island, which included British residents whose only connection was that they held a UK passport. Many visitors were stranded on board vessels for up to five hours or more.
” This prompted me to make changes and I am pleased to say it has now been resolved .” He went on: “I can confirm today that we will be dropping our inbound travel controls with immediate effect, but like many other jurisdictions around the world who are implementing these rules, we will need to maintain border security.” Mr Le Fondré added that there would be no cost implications for government or ratepayers.
He said he expected the referendum on new local council boundaries to be held in the autumn.
The proposals are for 12 parish/town councils, each with their own local legislative assembly. They would replace the current system of twenty-four districts within six parishes, which cover the whole island.
