People returning from Italy now being told to self-isolate
ANYONE returning from anywhere in Italy is now being asked to self-isolate, regardless of whether they have symptoms of the novel coronavirus or not.
Public Health meets daily to discuss the evolving situation around the virus and after reviewing epidemiological data yesterday, the decision was made that the whole of Italy be moved from Group B to Group A.
This means that anyone returning from anywhere in the country from yesterday should self-isolate, whether or not they have any symptoms.
America, Switzerland and the Netherlands have also been added to Group B countries, which means people returning from those places are being asked to self-isolate only if they have symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath) within 14 days of return, even if these are mild.
Factors influencing this decision included the number of confirmed cases in the above-mentioned areas, along with evidence for probably community spread and travel links to Guernsey.
Public Health Services is having to make decisions about which countries to be concerned about based on assessed levels of risk and the resilience and size of Guernsey’s health infrastructure.
Anyone in the Bailiwick who has returned home from Italy or any of the countries in the Group B category in the last 14 days is asked to be vigilant for signs of cough, fever or shortness of breath.
Any returning travellers who experience one or more of these symptoms during the 14-day period, no matter how mild, should self-isolate at home and ring the coronavirus helpline on 756938 or 756969.
The helpline is available every day between 8am and 10pm.
Group A countries: self-isolation for all returning travellers irrespective of whether they have symptoms or not:
Mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
Iran
South Korea
Costa Adeje Palace Hotel (Tenerife)
Specific lockdown areas designated by the Italian government
The whole of Italy (returning since 10 March 2020)
Group B countries: self-isolation upon return from these countries if you have symptoms, however mild
Thailand
Japan
Hong Kong
Taiwan
Singapore
Malaysia
Macau
Vietnam
Cambodia
Laos
Myanmar
Indonesia
France
Egypt
Tenerife (returning since 17 February 2020)
Germany (returning since 2 March 2020)
Mainland Spain (returning since 2 March 2020)
USA (returning since 10 March 2020)
Switzerland (returning since 10 March 2020)
Netherlands (returning since 10 March 2020)
