Mask rule scrapped as Guernsey looks to reduce Covid restrictions

The news was announced on Tuesday evening, as Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink warns that the island could see another wave of Covid-infections as restrictions are relaxed.

A new Bailiwick blueprint will be published this week, detailing timeframes for reviewing and further de-escalating Covid-19 restrictions.

Dr Brink said it was the right time to remove restrictions in phases.

'After two years of having to manage the unpredictable and changing threat presented by Covid-19, to reach this stage is very encouraging,' she said.

'It’s down to the cooperation and commitment from all islanders. Covid-19 has not gone away, but we’re in a good position to change how we manage this infection. Instead we will work with islanders to minimise the impact of Covid-19.

'We expect to see more cases of Covid-19, indeed we may see a further wave of infection. As before, we will work with islanders, asking for their cooperation to respond to any increasing risk, rather than rely on the reintroduction of formal restrictions. For now that means we will continue to actively promote the guidance around mitigating the risk of transmission through the use of face coverings and lateral flow testing.'

Other restrictions, including the requirement for positive cases to isolate, are under review with further de-escalation intended for after 17 February.

Dr Brink said it was very important that people stay at home if they were unwell.

'This will be an even more important message when we eventually remove the formal requirement to isolate if you are a positive case,' she said.

'It’s down to islanders to continue being responsible and avoid spreading the virus to their friends, families and colleagues.'

Face coverings are still recommended in enclosed spaces, in crowds or where there is poor ventilation.

Also being removed, with immediate effect, is the requirement to follow ‘enhanced passive follow-up’ rules for positive cases who have been released from isolation before day 10.

This is because these cases have left their isolation on the basis they are symptom-free and completed two negative LFT tests on consecutive days. Instead, these individuals will be asked to follow some sensible precautions including not attending a hospital or care setting, limiting contact with vulnerable people, wearing face coverings in crowded and enclosed spaces and speaking with their employer before returning to their workplace.