Record-breaking heatwave
With temperatures soaring above 30 degrees this past week, Jersey can expect another hot start to next week.
Gov.je has predicted a maximum of 37 degrees celsius on Monday with a UV rating as high as 8.
In Jersey, a heatwave is deemed to have occurred when the temperature rises by 5C or more on six consecutive days.
Either way, make sure you drink lots of water and protect yourself from the sun.
Fifth wave of Covid
According to Jersey’s new health minister, there is currently a fifth wave of Covid infections on the island.
Over 1,500 illnesses are now known to be active, and Deputy Karen Wilson is urging everyone to take precautions this summer to stop the spread.
She explained: “It is in this period of high infection rates that I would like to encourage islanders to continue to follow the current guidance, which includes wearing masks in recommended settings. If islanders work together and follow the current guidance issued by Public Health, we will be able to move through the wave more quickly and ensure that we can enjoy a safe summer.”
Due to the spike in cases, Jersey’s vaccine booster programme has been extended until the end of July.
People aged 75 and over as well as 12 and older with a weakened immune system are invited to book their booster dose through the government’s website or by calling 0800 735 5566.
Islanders are also being asked to follow these five key actions:
– Book a PCR test if you feel unwell or have symptoms
– Take a lateral flow test twice a week
– Wear a mask indoors in crowded places or when visiting vulnerable people
– Open windows to increase ventilation
– Keep up-to-date with vaccinations
Fewer people seeking work in Jersey
According to the most recent statistics, there were 620 islanders looking for work at the end of June, which is 380 less than at the same time last year.
The number of women actively seeking work was higher than the number of males.
The number of people looking for work – for more than a year – has also decreased dramatically to 220, a decline of more than 50% from the same period in 2021.
Rail workers to strike again in the UK
The RMT union has announced that workers at Network Rail and 14 train operators will go on strike for an additional two days in August in a dispute over employment, wages, and working conditions.
On August 18 and 20, union members will walk out of work.
The RMT has previously made a strike announcement for July 27, the day before the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham get underway.
It follows the largest nationwide strike in decades, which saw tens of thousands of Network Rail and train operator employees walk off the job in June.
Separately, according to the union Aslef, train drivers at eight rail firms have also decided to walk off the job on July 30 over a compensation issue.
40,000 workers across Network Rail are anticipated to walk out during the August strikes.
Mixed Markets
London’s FTSE 100 is up 0.88%
European markets are broadly higher today with shares in Germany leading the region. The DAX is up 1.52% and France’s CAC 40 is up 0.61%.
Futures for the S&P 500 wavered between small gains and losses Friday, with the broad market index poised to end lower for the week. Contracts for the tech-focused Nasdaq-100 added 0.1% and futures for the Dow Jones Industrial Average shed 0.1%.
Asian markets finished mixed as of the most recent closing prices. The Nikkei 225 gained 0.54%, while the Hang Seng led the Shanghai Composite lower. They fell 2.19% and 1.64% respectively.