‘Self-isolation, including from UK, by end of week’

Public Health has updated its travel advice in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

From today, France and Spain have been added to the list of countries, known as group A, where automatic self-isolation applies. The UK is now classed as group B so people should do that if they show any symptoms – fever, cough and shortness of breath.

But as more cases are recorded in the UK – now up to 1,391 with 35 deaths – stricter conditions are set to apply later this week to anyone coming to the island from there.

Policy & Resources president Gavin St Pier said: ‘Last Thursday, we issued strong advice that there should be no travel to or from the Bailiwick unless it was essential. I am grateful for the advice we have received from Dr [Nicola]Brink and her expert team over the weekend, which has resulted in timely evidence-based decisions. With rapid developments globally, and particularly in Europe and mainland UK, it is essential that Guernsey constantly reviews its response to meet our needs.’

There will be a further review of this advice today.

‘It is very likely that a decision will be made during this week to move to a point where anyone entering the Bailiwick will be requested to self-isolate for 14 days regardless of any symptoms or point of origin,’ said Deputy St Pier.

‘We are not afraid to take a proactive approach to help protect our island infrastructure and the resilience and welfare of our island community, even if that means to all intents and purposes there are no movements in or out of the island, other than those which are completely unavoidable.’

Students and their parents have been asked to consider whether they should return to the island sooner rather than later, even if this requires a period of self-isolation.

Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Health & Social Care president, said: ‘Bailiwick advice will differ from that being issued by the UK and Jersey as it is specifically tailored, with advice from the director of public health, to meet the needs of our island community. We continue to appreciate the collaboration and support we are receiving.’

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Guide to self-isolation, country by country

Group A:

With effect from today. Public Health Services is recommending that any individual should self-isolate for 14 days, irrespective of symptoms if they have returned from the following areas:

• Mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)

• Iran

• South Korea

• Specific lockdown areas designated by the government of Italy.

• The whole of Italy – (returning since 10 March 2020)

• Spain (returning since today)

• France (returning from today)

Group B: Travellers from other specified countries – mainland UK and the rest of the world who have symptoms, even if these are mild:

With effect from today. Public Health Services is recommending anyone returning from the following countries in the last 14 days who have symptoms of Covid-19 self-isolate and contact the coronavirus helpline :

Countries on the list up to and including yesterday – and which will continue to be included in Group B with effect from 8am today:

• Thailand,

• Japan,

• Hong Kong,

• Taiwan,

• Singapore,

• Malaysia

• Macau

• Vietnam

• Cambodia

• Laos

• Myanmar

• Indonesia

• France

• Egypt

• Tenerife - returning since 17 February

• Germany - returning since 2 March

• Mainland Spain - returning since 2 March

• USA - returning since 10 March

• Switzerland - returning since 10 March

• Netherlands - returning since 10 March

Countries added to the Group B list with effect from today

• The United Kingdom (returning since today)

• The rest of the World (returning since today) – excluding the Group A countries identified above

If you experience symptoms (fever, cough or shortness of breath, no matter how mild) and have returned from the above countries in the last 14 days, then contact the coronavirus helpline on 756938 and 756969, or, if you are feeling very unwell, phone 999 telling the operator of your symptoms and travel history.

DO NOT ATTEND YOUR GP PRACTICE, PHARMACY OR THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT UNANNOUNCED.