WATCH: Day 13 tests now mandatory - effective immediately
A TEST on day 13 of self-isolation is now mandatory, and those who refuse will have to self-isolate for 21 days.
The Civil Contingencies Authority has reviewed the latest evidence relating to a new variant of the coronavirus that causes Covid-19.
Evidence indicates it is likely to be more transmissible and poses an increased risk to the community, so, the CCA has agreed new measures to protect the Bailiwick.
Effective immediately, those arriving from Category 4 regions and countries will be required to self-isolate until they receive a negative result from a day 13 test.
If they decline to take a day 13 test, they will have to self-isolate for 21 days.
Those who choose to self-isolate with someone who has travelled to the Bailiwick will also need to adhere to the same requirement for testing on day 13 or self-isolating for 21 days, even if they did not travel themselves.
These changes apply to all those currently in self-isolation who have not yet reached day 13.
Fines of up to £10,000 can be imposed on those who breach self-isolation rules.
Children under 12 who travel from a category 4 country or region will also have to be tested at day 13 if they intend to return to a school, pre-school, childcare or nursery setting.
Chairman of the Civil Contingencies Authority Deputy Peter Ferbrache said Guernsey's border restrictions have proven extremely effective to date in allowing us to stay in control of the virus and avoid the need for any on-island restrictions.
But he said it was important to be vigilant to any change in the nature of the threat posed by the coronavirus.
'This new strain appears to be significant change and one that requires stricter measures to ensure we are detecting and managing any cases that arrive through travel into the Bailiwick.'
A test is still available to those who travelled into the Bailiwick on 8 December and have already completed their 14 days of self-isolation but did not opt for a day 13 test.
Public Health encouraged any such travellers to get in contact and arrange a test to ensure they are not positive and putting those they come in contact with at risk.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said officials are still learning about the new variant, but the evidence so far is enough to know it needs to be taken seriously.
'Even one case brought into the Bailiwick that isn’t detected could pose a risk, and these new rules will help ensure we don’t find ourselves in that situation,' she said.
'Now more than ever we also really need people to follow the self-isolation rules to the letter.
'If you’re self-isolating in the same household as others who are not self-isolating you must follow the guidance on gov.gg/coronavirus and ensure you do not mix, and that you very carefully manage things like shared toilet facilities to avoid any possible spread of the virus.
'It is not acceptable to cut corners or come up with your own ‘workarounds’, this will only put you and others at risk, I cannot stress the importance of this enough.'
