There are currently no known active cases of coronavirus in Guernsey.

There have no new cases there for nearly three weeks.

"This is great news for the Bailiwick and is testament to how well the community have worked with us to manage the impact of the virus in the Bailiwick. However, we must not be complacent. An extended testing programme is now in place to search out cases of COVID-19 in those who may be asymptomatic. The initial focus has been to test health care workers but will expanded to cover other groups in the community.

"Islanders should be prepared for this expanded testing programme to identify positive cases. This is a good thing as it means we are identifying asymptomatic cases and contact tracing quickly to avoid the virus spreading more widely. If anyone has any symptoms, however mild, they must come forward to be tested. Please don’t think you don’t want to adversely influence our results. We know we will get more positives and that is a good thing. If we know about them we can track and trace and contain them to protect the rest of the community." - Dr. Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health.

Guernsey took a strategy to eliminate the virus compared to Jersey's 'contain, delay, shield' approach. Jersey decided against moving to an elimination strategy. There are currently 13 active cases in Jersey.

"This is a milestone for the community and reflects the fantastic #GuernseyTogether approach to COVID-19. As we enter the next phase of expanding our testing programme, I would urge Islanders to continue to listen to the public health advice and to come forward for testing if they show any symptoms, however mild, or are invited to be tested as part of the extended programme.

"Our strategy remains the same ‘test, trace and quarantine’. It continues to be effective as evidenced in the lack of new positives and no active known cases. As we transition through the phases to exit from lockdown, this proactive testing in our community is key to managing the virus and protecting islanders." - Deputy Heidi Soulsby, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care.

Guernsey is moving to the next stage of its lockdown exit process this Saturday (1 June) which allows all retail, hairdressers and beauticians to work again.. Public venues like museums and cinemas will also be able to open again subject to physical distancing.

The States of Guernsey isn't being too strict on the two-metre rule, however.

When it comes to social distancing, we’ve got it cracked. But with the relaxing of lockdown comes a new way of living that we are going to need to adjust to.
0 metres is least safe, 1 metre is safer, 2 metres is safest.#GuernseyTogether #MoveBackABitEh #BuildBackBetter #MovingOn pic.twitter.com/kNWT2fjQY7

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) May 27, 2020

"Whilst this is excellent news, we cannot assume that COVID-19 has gone away. As we move to Phase 4 at the weekend it is essential that everyone understands the need to maintain social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette. We are moving to a ‘new normal’ where we all need to have increased awareness of our personal space and hygiene. Whilst the concept of bubbles and extended bubbles changes in Phase 4, people MUST maintain social distancing.

"The easing of restrictions in Phase 4 doesn’t come without risk. People will need to take personal responsibility for managing that risk. Government will provide further guidance and information but the community need to be aware of, and consider the general principles of social distancing and public health measures in Phase 4." - Deputy Gavin St Pier, Chief Minister.