Guernsey Press

Covid-19 line busy, but people urged to keep calling

DESPITE the Covid-19 clinical helpline being deluged with more than 100 phone calls yesterday, islanders are still being urged to get in touch, even if they only have mild symptoms.

Published
Last updated
(Picture by Shutterstock)

The States warned islanders yesterday that it might take some time to get through on the helpline due to the rise in queries.

‘As always at this time of year, there are lots of other winter bugs going around which means you might have symptoms similar to Covid-19,’ a spokesman said.

‘Please bear with us, we will answer your call as soon as we can.’

In total, there were 119 phone calls made to the helpline yesterday, as of late afternoon. Since the helpline was set up in early March, there have been 14,941 calls, about 70 calls a day.

Anyone with muscle aches, headache, loss of smell or taste, sore throat, fever, shortness of breath or a new cough should contact the helpline, even if these symptoms are mild.

If someone feels very unwell, they should call 999 and tell the operator about their symptoms.

Anyone with these symptoms should not visit their GP or the Emergency Department at the hospital unannounced.

There are currently two active cases of Covid-19 in Guernsey, both from inbound travel.

There are three cases in the Isle of Man, the only place where there is restriction-free travel, and 31 active cases in Jersey.

. The numbers for the clinical helpline are 756938 or 756969. The line is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 4pm. The email inbox, publichealth@gov.gg, is monitored between 9am to 5pm. Monday to Friday.

The non-clinical helpline is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. The number is 717118 or email covid19enquiries@gov.gg.