The Chief Minister has moved to reassure islanders that Jersey is well-prepared to deal with Coronavirus after Guernsey confirmed its first case of the virus.
There are currently no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Jersey and the Island’s health authorities are monitoring the situation closely. A total of 84 people have been tested and have received negative results.
Following the confirmation of a positive case of Coronavirus in Guernsey, Islanders can be reassured that the health authorities in both Jersey and Guernsey are in regular daily contact about the situation in both islands.
There is no evidence that the case in Guernsey resulted from, or has led to, local transmission. The patient sought help promptly, is doing well and is being supported by the relevant health care professionals. All appropriate precautions are being undertaken.
As Guernsey has not been designated as an affected jurisdiction, travel between the islands remains the same.
Jersey’s contingency plans are aligned with those of the UK Government and departments have been checking and updating their business continuity plans to ensure the Island is ready to deal with a Coronavirus outbreak.
The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, said: “It does not matter that Coronavirus is now geographically closer to Jersey, the Island is well-prepared to deal with any cases. It is also important to stress that there is no need to behave differently – people can continue to fly and sail between the islands.
“In the majority of cases, infection with the virus causing COVID-19 is mild, and, unlike flu, current indications are that individuals who are showing no symptoms are unlikely to be contagious. It cannot be stressed enough that the best way Islanders can protect themselves and others from Coronavirus is to wash their hands, cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough and put used tissues in the bin immediately.”
The Government’s public health campaign to inform Islanders about Coronavirus and the ways in which people can protect themselves continues. A dedicated area on the Government’s website (www.gov.je/coronavirus) has been created, which is updated frequently to reflect current advice from the World Health Organization. A section to advise businesses with concerns regarding Coronavirus has also been added to the webpage.
There is also now an option to seek business guidance via a helpline (01543 445566), which was set up to provide Islanders with expert medical advice.
Meanwhile, the Emergencies Council is due to meet on Thursday to review plans on how the Island would manage cases of Coronavirus as well as how schools and businesses would operate if the virus arrived in Jersey.
Government of Jersey News Release.