All tests for coronavirus negative at the moment
SEVEN islanders have been tested for the contagious coronavirus, it has been confirmed.
The testing has taken place over the last 10 days and four people have already been confirmed as negative.
The others are still awaiting their results, which takes 48 hours as they are sent to a specialist off-island laboratory.
Public Health director Dr Nicola Brink said robust procedures were in place to test for, and contain, suspected cases of the coronavirus.
‘So far islanders have listened to the advice that we have issued regarding travel from affected areas and have acted responsibly in contacting Public Health Services for advice,’ she said.
‘We are working to pick up any potential cases as quickly as we can and if they present with suspected symptoms, they can be tested as swiftly as possible. This is the same as in the UK and Europe, so we are mirroring best practice.’
There were reports on social media yesterday lunchtime of a person being escorted away from the High Street by police officers and health officials in protective clothing.
Dr Brink declined to confirm the incident or whether it was related to coronavirus.
‘We do not comment on individual cases but, in line with agreed guidelines, there will be times when an individual will present with symptoms, who will require tailored support and assistance to access precautionary testing.
‘Each individual case will differ and, for some, this may include transportation to the hospital, which can potentially require the involvement of the police and ambulance staff.
‘In such cases our professional colleagues will be required to wear personal protective equipment as a precaution. We understand that this can appear worrying but it is to ensure we follow standards to protect team members at the same time as supporting our community. Similar activity will be being undertaken in mainland UK, internationally and in other jurisdictions.’
More than 40,000 cases of the virus have been recorded across the world, but most are in China. More than 900 people have died.
In the UK, eight people are confirmed to have been infected.
Dr Brink said it was important to emphasis that the people being tested in Guernsey could have flu or some other ailment.
She added that it was important that Guernsey maintained its ability to provide essential public services.
‘An outbreak of any viral illness can impact on the staff and resources needed to deliver these services,’ she said.
In Jersey, two people have now had negative results for the virus, while two more were tested over the weekend and are awaiting their results.
In the UK, the Department of Health has introduced new measures in England that mean those in quarantine will not be free to leave and could be forcibly put into isolation.
The move comes as one UK person who returned from Wuhan in China, the centre of the outbreak, was reported to be threatening to abscond from where they were being held in quarantine in the Wirral.
Coronavirus precautions
Anyone who has returned from mainland China in the last 14 days is being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from the date they left the country.
Anyone who feels unwell and has returned from mainland China, Thailand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia or Macau in the last 14 days is urged call their GP or Public Health Services on 725241. They should not attend the hospital without calling ahead first.
Islanders are reminded to take daily precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness.
This includes not having close contact with someone who is sick and has travelled to an area affected by coronavirus.
Islanders should also cover their nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, use tissues only once, disposing of them promptly and carefully, and wash hands frequently.
Further information is available on www.gov.gg/coronavirus.
