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'Emergency services here for you' says fire and police commissioner

"The emergency services are here for you and we are carrying on, business as usual, keeping our county safe."

This was the message from Roger Hirst, the police, fire and crime commissioner for Essex.

In his latest video post, he reminded everyone to "stay alert to stay safe" and to "keep social distancing".

"This situation has affected us all. Our day to day lives have changed and we have lost or know someone who has lost someone," he added.

"This has not been an easy time."

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Disruption Loan Support Scheme extended to all businesses

All businesses regardless of industry or sector will now be eligible to apply for the Business Disruption Loan Support Scheme from the government.

The scheme means businesses can apply to banks to borrow between £5,000 and £500,000, which would not usually be possible under a lender's typical rules.

The government said it would help businesses to manage "short-term cash flow constraints" through the crisis.

Further information on the changes would be published on the government website shortly, Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said.

Day patient unit back to normal from Monday

The Princess Elizabeth Hospital's day patient unit will be returning to normal from Monday, States medical director Dr Peter Rabey has revealed.

It was turned into a dedicated intensive care unit for coronavirus patients.

Dr Rabey said they were removing the additional intensive care equipment installed in the unit in a way that allows it to be returned "within two days".

"We know exactly what goes where, which piece of equipment is being stored where and we can [return them] in a controlled way," he added.

Non-essential shops can reopen from 18 May

Non-essential shops in Jersey will be allowed to reopen from 18 May, the States has announced.

Retailers will have to ensure a physical distancing of 2m (6ft) is maintained for customers and staff.

Deputy Chief Minister Lyndon Farnham said the government were looking into how the next group of businesses could reopen, including dental practices, hair and beauty salons, and gyms.

"We are in consultation with these sectors and guidelines are being prepared right now for their safe and proportionate reopening," he said.

Coronavirus: 'We can't live like this forever'
The first minister is to set out more information next week on how easing of lockdown could be phased over time.

Public Health preparing for second wave

Dr Nicola Brink said Public Health Services "absolutely" had to prepare for a second wave of coronavirus to potentially hit Guernsey.

She said: "I like to be well prepared for any eventuality as far as I can be.

"If we didn't prepare I think the community could rightly ask questions of us."

Dr Brink said they would "hopefully" be able to "mitigate against the impacts of a second wave", given their preparations.

She cited the introduction of their extended testing strategy, which would allow Public Health to conduct up to 400 tests per day on island, as key to their preparations.

The expanded testing regime is expected to begin around mid-July.