Covid test before travel rule is scrapped by CCA
PLANS to introduce pre-travel Covid testing for arrivals into Guernsey were hastily scrapped yesterday just 72 hours after they were announced.
The Civil Contingencies Authority is meeting again today to consider other potential Covid-mitigation options, after criticism over the weekend that pre-travel testing requirements were seriously flawed and chaotic.
Last week the CCA said that supervised pre-travel tests would be required for fully vaccinated passengers arriving from the Common Travel Area from Thursday.
That led to a backlash from some islanders with imminent travel plans who were concerned about the difficulty and expense of arranging tests, as well as potentially having to isolate in the UK, where they had no residential base.
Aurigny said last night that it had already experienced a ‘high volume of cancellations and changes’ since Friday and was awaiting today’s update.
Islander Peter Hyde is due to visit family in London on Friday, and he was relieved to hear about yesterday’s change of heart by the CCA.
‘After Friday’s press conference we were racking our brains trying to think about how we would cope with the unlikely result of a positive test.
‘It would be virtually impossible to stay with family there because they would also have to isolate for two weeks.
‘Clearly this latest announcement makes a big difference to us. I felt as though the pre-travel testing hadn’t been thought properly, although it remains to be seen what they will come up with instead, but if returning Guernsey people are to be tested it should be done in Guernsey so that people don’t suffer.’
Guernsey authorities even started to attract criticism on its Covid-handling strategy from Jersey.
Robert Mackenzie, managing director of the Jersey-based CI Travel Group, was among those who spoke out.
‘For months last year, Guernsey left Jersey in the shade when it came to policy around Covid. However this flip-flop on the latest border rules suggests the firm grip on comms is weakening. Clearly the policy change from Thursday was not properly thought through,’ he said.
The CCA will publish its next steps today.
Chairman Deputy Peter Ferbrache said yesterday afternoon that it had taken on board feedback and legitimate concerns from the community.
‘We have listened but we have also examined the latest available information, and as we all know the position continually changes with this virus and we need to be likewise adaptable, and as such the CCA took the decision that the planned changes for this Thursday will not come into effect.
‘We wanted to make sure the community and visitors were made aware of this decision as soon as possible.
‘The CCA will meet again today to further consider other potential mitigation factors before making a final decision.
‘I recognise this may cause a short period of uncertainty for some but as ever we make decisions with the best interests of the whole community at heart and will change our position when we feel it is the right thing to do.’
Pre-travel tests are still recommended for visitors who are travelling to the Bailiwick, so that if they do test positive they can make the decision to stay at home.
In addition, this should give extra protection for other passengers on flights and ferries.
For the first time in months, there is one person in the Princess Elizabeth Hospital with Covid-19.
Another community case was identified in Guernsey yesterday, but the total number of known positive cases fell to 54.
Arrivals should do lateral flow test, says IoD
A REQUIREMENT for people to undertake lateral flow tests for Covid-19 after arrival into Guernsey should be considered, according to business chiefs.
The Guernsey Institute of Directors said it was pleased to hear that the Civil Contingencies Authority was rethinking the process around additional testing requirements for local, double vaccinated travellers entering the Bailiwick through the so-called blue channel.
Currently, the blue channel covers travellers who are fully vaccinated with an approved vaccine administered in the Common Travel Area, with 14 days having passed since the second dose. For those arrivals, there are no isolation or testing requirements if arriving from the CTA.
‘It is important to balance the desire to reassure islanders and control the spread of Covid-19 with the need for business travel and economic stimulation,’ said the Guernsey IoD.
‘Local firms have been starting to benefit from face-to-face meetings with off-island colleagues, customers and new business contacts – and it is critical that they are able to continue to forward plan travel with confidence, within the context of the ongoing pandemic.
‘Clearly the risk of testing positive in the UK and being forced to isolate for two weeks away from home will be off-putting for businesses who will want to avoid the cost and disruption this could cause.’
The business group said it hoped that an alternative approach could be found.
‘Lateral flow tests can also be taken after return which, issued together with suitable guidance, could help to reduce the spread of Covid-19 while allowing business development to progress. We look forward to a considered and clear direction from the CCA.’
