Fines of up to £10,000 for coronavirus rule-breakers

Thursday, 19 March 2020 16:33

Chief minister blasts 'armchair experts' on social media

The chief minister says fines of up to £10,000 will be in place for those breaking the rules relating to coronavirus precautions.

Howard Quayle was spearheading this afternoon's council of ministers media briefing, alongside Health Minister David Ashford.

He blasted 'armchair experts' on social media, for spreading false information amidst the coronavirus pandemic:

It was also confirmed a dedicated 111 service is being set up to assist those in the public with concerns.

Schools are remaining open for the time being.

There are still zero confirmed cases of COVID-19 on the Island, but testing rates are set to be ramped up in the community, with up to 30 tests per day.

What did we learn from the conference?

- Fines of up to £10k and a three month custodial sentence for those breaking rules surrounding self-isolation

- A mobile testing unit is to be established for those presenting symptons

- From tomorrow (Friday 20 March) a COVID-19 phoneline is to be established on 111 to offer advice, and must not be used for any other medical conditions.

It will connect callers to clinicians, who'll direct them to either the mobile testing unit, or seek to reassure them they don't need testing

- 30 tests a day are being processed here, estimated turnaround time of 48-72 hours from medical facilities in the UK

- Schools won't be closing

- Pregnant nurses to have roles risk assessed, teachers advised to speak to their managers and have their roles risk assessed

You can watch the media briefing here:

Fines of up to £10,000 for coronavirus rule-breakers

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