Guernsey Press

Self-isolation rules must be followed – Dr Brink

SELF-ISOLATION rules must be strictly adhered to, Public Health has warned, as more Covid-19 cases are being seen in the UK and identified among arrivals to the Bailiwick.

Published
Covid testing zone on the East Arm of North Beach. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 28712515)

Anyone self-isolating or living in the same house as someone who is self-isolating is urged to understand what is expected of them.

Arrivals into the Bailiwick from Group B countries and regions must self-isolate until they receive a negative result from their day seven test. Arrivals from Group A countries must self-isolate for 14 days.

In some cases, arrivals are choosing to self-isolate with family or friends who did not travel.

Public Health said while this is acceptable, all of those taking part in self-isolation must be aware of the requirements and the potential that if one of them is found to test positive for Covid-19, all of those self-isolating together will be contacts of the positive case and will therefore need to self-isolate for a further two weeks, and possibly longer if they, too, become infected.

Those self-isolating in the same household as other people who are not self-isolating with them must strictly observe the rules and ensure they do not interact with the other household members.

They must separate themselves from the other household members, never share dishes, utensils, bedding or other items.

They should use separate bathroom and kitchen facilities if possible, or use the facilities at separate times and clean them thoroughly after use.

Guidance is available at: https://covid19.gov.gg/support/protect

Those travelling into the Bailiwick should also be aware that if they are staying in temporary accommodation while they self-isolate, they may test positive for Covid-19 and need to continue self-isolating until they recover which can take several weeks.

Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said: ‘We are seeing more cases among those arriving into the Bailiwick which is to be expected, as cases rise in the UK.

Dr Nicola Brink. (28713240)

‘Our “test, track and trace” is working, meaning we are identifying those cases. But I am concerned that as we see more of them, any case where self-isolation requirements are not strictly observed puts our community at unnecessary risk.

‘As a community, we have responded tremendously to this pandemic, but it is not over and we cannot afford to become complacent now.’

  • SOME 190 parking spaces on the East Arm of the North Beach car park are again suspended today.

The loss of the 10-hour spaces is to allow for preparation to take place ahead of the island’s transition to Phase 5c of the exit from lockdown.

Removal of the spaces will allow a safe working area for the setting up and the dismantling of the infrastructure required.

Essential filming and testing took place yesterday and today at the new testing centres at the ports and the East Arm.

The short films will enable anyone using the testing facilities at the harbour or airport to familiarise themselves with how to access the centres and take the necessary Covid-19 swabs before their planned travel.