Medical professionals required by law to notify authorities if coronavirus is suspected

The comments were made by Health & Social Care president Heidi Soulsby, who gave the latest update in the fight against the illness in the States Assembly this morning.

The news comes as HSC confirmed that all tests for the coronavirus on the Grammar School students and staff who returned from a school ski trip in Italy had come back negative. This means they can now return to school.

To date, Public Health Services have tested 65 and received 63 negative results.

They are still awaiting two results.

'On behalf of the Committee for Health & Social Care I have signed an order making the disease and infection notifiable in the Bailiwick which establishes compulsory notification and quarantine,' Deputy Soulsby said.

It is thought that a comprehensive collation of information will allow the authorities to better monitor the disease, and crucially give an early warning of a possible local outbreak.

In her update speech Deputy Soulsby outlined the extensive range of measures that are underway to ensure the Bailiwick was prepared.

For instance, a dedicated group has been set up to consider the cruise liners which are booked to come to the island in the forthcoming season.

Local procedures have been developed for tracing the contacts, in the event of a confirmed case of coronavirus infection.

The Civil Contingency Authority has been informally briefed and arrangements have been put in place for necessary powers to be given to the CCA to help manage an outbreak should an emergency situation be declared, or be on the verge of being declared.

There have also been discussions with the community and voluntary sector on how to help people who are in self-isolation receive food and supplies.

Round the clock access to public health advice has been set up, and the JESCC technology will be used as a 24/7 call handling facility if a positive case is confirmed locally or if high call volumes start to come in.

The local front against coronavirus has expanded beyond the remit of Health & Social Care and work is underway to ensure business continuity, supply chains, and the potential impact on the economy and businesses.

The main message in Deputy Soulsby's speech was reassurance, and that a calm and meticulous approach was in place, which allowed for every eventuality.

'Managing such a dynamic situation is challenging but we are working with our partner agencies, including primary care, St Johns Ambulance and the Medical Specialist Group, together with the support of business representative bodies and the public to adopt a 'whole islands' approach.

'We have extensive preparedness plans in place specifically for what we are seeing with coronavirus and COVID-19 disease.

'The focus of these plans is mitigation and reducing the risk for islanders, as well as communicating with the public to build awareness, managing anxiety within the community and providing reassurance that we are well equipped to respond to circumstances that are changing at pace.'

A further, more detailed briefing for States members is planned for next week.

• A dedicated page has been set up at www.gov.gg/coronavirus detailing all of the States updates and information in one place.