Sailings will restart on Saturday 4^th July from Poole to Jersey, with further services each week throughout the summer season, enabling holidaymakers to plan their much longed-for summer getaway.

Capacity on-board the high-speed ferry, CONDOR LIBERATION, will be reduced to a maximum of 350 passengers to enable physical distancing and additional safety measures will also be in place. The company’s safety protocols include limits on the number of travellers in the public cabins, floor distancing markers and barriers installed, and food and beverage outlets will be self-service with card payments only. All passengers will be required to wear face coverings for travel and check-in times will be extended.

Paul Luxon, CEO of Condor Ferries, said: “After more than 100 days of lockdown, we are delighted to announce sailings from Poole to Jersey are restarting this weekend. We have always kept one eye on the future and prepared for sailing once restrictions are lifted. Unlike the airlines, we normally have capacity for 800 people and plenty of inside and outside space, so with a reduction in capacity, safe sailing through distancing can be readily introduced.

“We take the health and wellbeing of passengers and crew very seriously so can offer reassurance that various contingency plans and measures are in place to mitigate any potential impact of Coronavirus. Some of these procedures were in use before we suspended passenger services in March, but travellers will certainly recognise the difference.

“We very much look forward to welcoming customers back on-board this coming weekend and throughout the summer months.”

Passengers travelling from the UK will be able to take part in Covid-19 testing on arrival in Jersey. The results will be available in 12-72 hours, during which time arriving passengers will not be required to quarantine but will be asked to limit their contact with other people where possible. If a passenger opts out of testing, they will be required to quarantine for 14 days.

Travellers returning to the UK from Jersey will not be required to quarantine.

Condor has also planned two initial trial sailings from Poole to Guernsey, which will depart on 5^th and 8^th July. The services have been agreed with Public Health Guernsey and the States of Guernsey as part of a controlled trial of incoming and outgoing passenger travel. The government in Guernsey has advised that a maximum of 250 passengers can be carried, allowing ample space on-board for physical distancing.