Islanders returning from China advised to self-isolate
ISLANDERS who have recently returned from China are being advised to self-isolate themselves to reduce the risk of coronavirus being released into the local community.
More than 500 people have now been killed by the virus in China and it is estimated there are more than 28,000 cases worldwide. So far there have only been three cases in the UK.
Guernsey's public health director Dr Nicola Brink said they were putting precautions in place.
'Guernsey needs to maintain its ability to provide essential public services,' she said.
'An outbreak of any viral illness can impact on the staff and resources needed to deliver these services. To do this we need the public to work with us and we are asking that any individual, who returns to Guernsey from visiting mainland China within the last 14 days self-isolate at home to reduce the risk of the infection being introduced to the island’s community.'
Self-isolation means a person should avoid physical contact with the rest of the community for a specified period of time. In this case Public Health Services recommend that individuals stay indoors and avoid physical contact with others. These precautions should be taken for 14 consecutive days from the time of departure from mainland China.
The advice echoes similar recommendations which have been made in the UK.
‘Self-isolation for 14 days is extremely difficult for the individuals and families concerned,' Dr Brink said.
'We need to work together as a community to support people in these circumstances as they are acting responsibly to protect the island. I would urge all islanders to act compassionately and encourage them to offer support to friends and family by keeping in contact by phone or text, as visiting is not advised. Islanders can also offer help to friends and family in self-isolation by delivering groceries and other essentials and leaving them by the door. Work and other papers can be delivered too as there is no evidence of the virus being shared on paper or cardboard.'
Full details about self-isolation can be found at www.gov.gg/coronavirus.
