Thread by @GBCNewsroom

Live briefing on @GBCTVGibraltar & @RadioGibraltar with @FabianPicardo who is expected to confirm the move to “Unlock the Rock” will be delayed.

Chief Minister says global #Covid19 deaths have climbed from 640k to 673k deaths.

He confirms #Gibraltar will stay in Phase Six without any relaxation of the current arrangements.

CM says we need to be prepared to make sacrifices now for longterm benefit. Says there's a risk of a spike in coronavirus cases arising from holiday & other travel arrangements.

Case in Gibraltar went unreported for some days, says CM. Contact Tracing Bureau has so far identified 45 contacts arising from this case. "It's not over, by any stretch of the imagination".

We are starting to see community transmission in #Gibraltar again, "it is moving between us". Be responsible, be careful, says @FabianPicardo.

Observe the rules of social distancing and hand & respiratory hygiene, says CM.

People who have tested positive may not have reported their symptoms immediately. "This is dangerous... they may have infected others."

It is imperative, says @FabianPicardo, to self-isolate immediately you feel symptoms in order to protect each other.

Social gatherings at night have been problematic in Spain, CM asks anyone going out to be extra careful.

University lab is taking 350 tests daily, hoping to increase to 550. High volume of testing is very important to keeping us safe, says CM. Wants to test more in the @GHAWeb, thinks not enough tests being done there at present.

BEAT Covid app has been downloaded 15,000 times so far, says @FabianPicardo. "It's for your own safety" & gives the Government no data on you whatsoever. It will alert you if you've been in contact with anyone who has tested positive for #COVID19

This is not over, says CM. Virus has proven lethal worldwide. Our success so far has been in sticking together.

We have to demonstrate extra caution with the older & more vulnerable members of society.

Low numbers using Commonwealth Park Golden Hour & Silver Time, so start time moved back from 10 to 11.

CM says there is a certain amount of complacency in #Gibraltar.

*New regulations will make it compulsory for using masks / face coverings in certain confined spaces such as on public transport, at hair dressers & in restaurants (including terraces) & for staff in shops.*

On the spot fine of £100 for non-adherence to new mask regulation.

Compulsory use of masks more generally being considered for future, says CM.

2am curfew means last orders will be at 01:30

UK will provide access to vaccines, when ready, to Overseas Territories, meaning supply to #Gibraltar now sured up. Though it's not known when a vaccine will be ready.

Government aspiring to cashless service. Will be piloting pre-paid cards with Social Security (for those without a bank account & card). Will be introduced in SS & rolled out to any public department requiring it. Safest method to receive payment, says @FabianPicardo.

Keeping counters closed is to keep you safe, says CM.

Anticipates moving back to Major Incident posture in mid-Sept.

#Gibraltar better prepared & informed, but we must stay alert, says @FabianPicardo.

"Better to lose a summer in your life, than to lose your life for a summer."

Answering questions from the media, CM says Government events have not gone ahead.

If anyone is planning a gathering, "discretion is the better part of valour". 20 is the maximum number of people who can gather legally.

Has CM raised imported cases from UK with Boris Johnson's government? Air bridge is hugely important, says CM.

We have been able to ID who has arrived with #COVID19, traced their contacts & controlled the cluster before it became an outbreak.

"Let's hope 45 contacts test -"

Otherwise, says CM, testing of those contacts' contacts will be necessary and the spread will be that bit more worrying.

Please enjoy yourselves, but be as careful as poss, says @FabianPicardo - wash hands regularly, follow social distancing guidelines & use mask when not poss