Thirty eight new cases of Covid-19 have been identified in Guernsey where a second lockdown has been under way since Saturday.

The total number of known active cases in the island has now risen to 52, the States of Guernsey announced yesterday. (Monday).

The bailiwick says that 48 of the active cases are related to an outbreak identified late on Friday evening.

It was sparked after four people with no travel history or links to known cases tested positive for the virus.

The States said yesterday that there are currently two cases of Covid-19 in hospital.

Some 242 people were awaiting results of tests as we went to press yesterday. (Monday.)

The States of Guernsey said that it was unclear how the four individuals at the centre of the new outbreak had contracted the disease, as none was from travel or from contacts with known cases.

’Contact tracing is continuing to determine whether there is a link between the cases and whether these cases are linked or if this is a result of wider community seeding,’ the statement said.

The move comes after the island had been free of coronavirus restrictions since early June.

The island forged close links with the Isle of Man establishing an air corridor using the island’s state airline Aurigny.

Under the latest measures, Guernsey islanders have been told to stay home except for essential shopping, medical care or up to two hours exercise outdoors.

Non-essential shops and restaurants have been ordered to to close, including for deliveries and takeaways.

Schools will also shut, except for children of key workers, or from vulnerable families.

Information on financial support available for businesses forced to close is expected to be released this week, the States confirmed.