Guernsey Press

Last known case of Covid-19 in Bailiwick recovers

THERE are currently no known active cases of Covid-19 in the Bailiwick.

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Last updated
Picture by Sophie Rabey. Health & Social Care president Heidi Soulsby, Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink and CCA chair Deputy Gavin St Pier. (28309266)

Announcing the daily testing results, the director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink advised there have been 27 consecutive days since the last positive case was diagnosed and there are currently no known cases.

'This is great news for the Bailiwick and is testament to how well the community has worked with us to manage the impact of the virus in the Bailiwick,' Dr Brink said.

'However, we must not be complacent. An extended testing programme is now in place to search out cases of Covid-19 in those who may be asymptomatic.'

The initial focus has been to test health care workers but will expanded to cover other groups in the community and islanders should be prepared for this expended testing programme to identify positive cases.

Dr Brink explained: 'This is a good thing as it means we are identifying asymptomatic cases and contact tracing quickly to avoid the virus spreading more widely.'

Anyone with symptoms, however mild, is asked to come forward to be tested.

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink has announced there are no known cases of Covid-19 in the Bailiwick. (28309263)

'Please don’t think you don’t want to adversely influence our results - we know we will get more positives and that is a good thing,' she said.

'If we know about them we can track and trace and contain them to protect the rest of the community.'

President of Health & Social Care Deputy Heidi Soulsby said the milestone reflected the fantastic #GuernseyTogether approach to the virus.

'As we enter the next phase of expanding our testing programme, I would urge islanders to continue to listen to the public health advice and to come forward for testing if they show any symptoms, however mild, or are invited to be tested as part of the extended programme,' she said.

Updated at midday 27 May 2020. (28309288)

The strategy of 'test, trace and quarantine' remains the same.

Deputy Soulsby added: ' It continues to be effective as evidenced in the lack of new positives and no active known cases.

'As we transition through the phases to exit from lockdown, this proactive testing in our community is key to managing the virus and protecting islanders.'

Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority Deputy Gavin St Pier said while getting down to no known cases was excellent news, Guernsey cannot assume that Covid-19 has gone away.

'As we move to Phase 4 at the weekend it is essential that everyone understands the need to maintain social distancing, hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.

'We are moving to a ‘new normal’ where we all need to have increased awareness of our personal space and hygiene.'

Whilst the concept of bubbles and extended bubbles changes in Phase 4, people must maintain social distancing.

Deputy St Pier said the easing of restrictions in Phase 4 does not come without risk.

'People will need to take personal responsibility for managing that risk. Government will provide further guidance and information but the community need to be aware of, and consider the general principles of social distancing and public health measures in Phase 4.'