Traveller tests positive during passive follow-up

A States spokeswoman

said the correct protocols had been followed.

‘The positive case was an incoming traveller who arrived in the island from a category two area and received a negative test result from their day one swab at the port,’ she said.

‘During the first week of passive follow-up the person developed Covid-like symptoms and came forward for testing.’

Investigations have now been taking place.

‘A small number of people have been identified as close contacts of the positive case and have been placed into compulsory self-isolation with testing to occur at intervals through the isolation period as standard. Other low-risk contacts have been tested and will have further tests as a precaution.’

Currently Jersey, south-east England and south-west England are all in category two, meaning arrivals have to quarantine until they get a negative test result. They are then in passive follow-up for 14 days, meaning they must avoid high-risk locations like care homes, and report any Covid symptoms, even if mild. They must also undergo another test of day seven. Each test costs the traveller £25.

‘The risk of individuals travelling to the Bailiwick and developing a Covid-19 infection once here was a clearly identified risk in the Bailiwick Blueprint, which detailed our exit from lockdown and our move towards living responsibly with Covid-19,’ the spokeswoman said.

‘The identification of this case provides a reminder for our community that we need to continue to practice good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, attend for Covid-19 vaccination without delay when called, seek testing if you have any symptoms of Covid-19, however mild, and stay at home if you are unwell.’

The current travel system is due to be in place until 1 July, when it will change to be based on vaccination status

and allow free travel in the Common Travel Area.