Today (Thursday 9 April), the Government of Jersey has released its second weekly update on the latest statistical modelling of COVID-19 tests and confirmed cases.
Test results are being updated daily on gov.je and are used to produce the weekly report: ‘Where are we on the curve’.
The report, produced by Statistics Jersey, shows the development of estimated overall new coronavirus cases in Jersey since the first case. This is plotted as a blue line running across the bottom with the “Expected cases under the ‘social distancing’ scenario” imposed on the chart with an orange dotted line. Based on these estimates, it shows that the measures we have taken are starting to flatten the curve.
While the Government has cautiously welcomed the effect of these measures to date, it is cautioning Islanders not to lose their resolve during the Bank Holiday weekend. In other countries around the world, individual events and occasions where large numbers of people have gathered together have resulted in a dramatic increase in positive cases and health services there have become overwhelmed.
The Government of Jersey is still pursuing a contain, delay, and shield strategy. Its primary aim is to flatten the epidemic curve and to prevent our health services from becoming overwhelmed.
If Jersey is to protect its community and health services from the worst effects of the virus, Islanders must adhere to the Stay Home instruction and maintain strict social distancing when outside their homes.
The Chief Minister John le Fondré said:
“I want to thank Islanders for abiding by to the Stay Home instruction. Our progress in flattening the curve is good, and shows that the measures we have implemented do seem to be having an impact.
“I must emphasise, though, that we are at an incredibly early stage and we may yet see a steepening of the curve.
“If Islanders begin to loosen their resolve, and deliberately break social distancing guidance, then we will almost certainly see the curve steepening. And this would put our people and our health service at serious risk.”
Government of Jersey News Release.