‘Safety not compromised by changes to the rules’
PLANS for the phase 5c exit from lockdown have changed, notably grouping countries into four categories based on their prevalence of Covid-19 cases.
It is hoped that new arrangements, which include testing on arrival, will be introduced on Monday 26 October.
Currently the Bailiwick is in phase 5b, which means life is normal on-island, but there are significant restrictions at the borders.
The Civil Contingencies Authority had set out a model for phase 5c which would have eased those restrictions significantly, but in recent weeks the prevalence of Covid-19 in neighbouring jurisdictions, most notably in the UK regions where the Bailiwick has its main travel links, has risen considerably.
At yesterday’s press conference, CCA chairman Gavin St Pier said it was unlikely that this trend will be turned around in the very short term.
He announced a re-modelled phase 5c which will see the introduction of testing on arrival for the vast majority of islanders coming into the Bailiwick, and will see countries split into four categories.
The lowest category, category 1, will be for countries and regions where there is no requirement for any travel restrictions or testing, currently just the Isle of Man.
Category 2 countries are those with a Covid prevalence rate of fewer than 30 case per 100,000 for seven days.
Anyone arriving from there would be tested on arrival, but will be required to self-isolate only until the result of that test comes back, providing it is negative.
There are no jurisdictions with direct links to Guernsey that would meet the criteria for category 2.
Countries with a prevalence rate of between 30 and 100 cases per 100,000 of population will also have a test on arrival, but remain in self-isolation until day seven even if that is negative when they will have another test.
If that test is negative they will be subject to ‘enhanced passive follow-up’ until the 14th day after their arrival in Guernsey.
Countries and regions with more than 100 Covid-19 cases per 100,000 people for seven consecutive days will be category four.
Currently this includes almost all of the UK, with the exception of a few regions in Scotland.
Arrivals will take a test on arrival followed by 14 days of self-isolation.
The CCA intends to move into this amended phase 5c shortly. Final ‘dry-run’ testing is under way.
In practical terms, this will mean initially that testing on arrival is available for arrivals from category 3 and 4 countries.
With the risk level in all neighbouring jurisdictions rising, the reduction of self-isolation periods will not be seen immediately, but Deputy St Pier said there were other significant benefits that come with testing on arrival, such as the ability to begin contact tracing those who were on board an aircraft or vessel more quickly.
‘However, those concerned about rising cases in the UK, France, Jersey and elsewhere should not see this move as any less safe than the current travel restrictions,’ he said.
‘Based on the current prevalence rates in the UK, all arrivals would still need to self-isolate for either seven or 14 days.’
