Islanders have been told to change their weekend plans and stop gatherings where people from different households mix.

It's been described as a 'tightening up' of the previous guidance, which allowed up to three gatherings between Wednesday 23rd December and Tuesday 5th January.

Under the new rules, people in Jersey have been told to stop mixing with people from other households - with exceptions made to allow families to get together on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Groups of up to 10 people will be allowed.

Where people from different households have to meet up, we're being told to stay outdoors in wide open spaces such as parks and beaches and to stay two metres apart. 

The Chief Minister says the changes come as compliance with the rules was 'too low'.

Senator John Le Fondré also announced the current 'circuit breaker' closure of the hospitality industry will be extended until at least Monday 4th January.

From midnight tonight, cafés and other eateries which remain open will have to shut unless they offer a takeaway service.

New economic support measures for businesses are due to be announced next week.

As of Monday 21st December, islanders have been told to work from home - apart from critical workers required to keep the island's vital services running.

Jersey's Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, says 'keeping each other safe is the most important gift we can give this Christmas':

"Not seeing elderly relatives may not be a comfortable choice or a popular one. But, in our current situation, it is the safest decision to take.

"We must now focus on the ongoing effort to return to normal in 2021.

Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat

"We must focus on reducing active case numbers through to January so that families and friends can meet together safely as we go forward.

"We must focus on the vaccination programme, that will continue to be rolled out to the most vulnerable first.

"And we must focus on keeping people well, across the board but especially those at risk and those in our hospital and care homes. Keeping each other safe is the most important gift we can give this Christmas."