Caution urged as Covid cases start to rise
A NEW wave of Covid infection could be on the way between now and Christmas, islanders have been warned, with case numbers back on the rise.
It follows similar rises in the UK and Jersey, as pupils have returned to school and bad weather has seen more people spending time together indoors.
There are currently 257 active cases in the Bailiwick, with 193 new ones identified in the last week. This compares with 141 cases in last Tuesday’s update.
There are fewer than five patients in hospital in the Bailiwick with a recent Covid-19 diagnosis.
Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink said she was not surprised by the increase.
‘While this is not unexpected, given the expected increase in indoor mixing with a return to education and work after the summer break, together with the cooler autumn weather meaning that people are more likely to spend more time indoors, it does represent a timely moment for us to remind the community about the need to continue acting on all the lessons we have collectively learnt since the beginning of the pandemic,’ she said.
‘It is likely that we will see a new wave of infection at some point between now and the end of the year.
‘Increased cases are already being seen in neighbouring jurisdictions so islanders should expect to see that reflected her too.
'However, as ever, there are things we can all do so minimise the risk and the spread of Covid-19 in the community.’
She recommended that people stay at home if unwell and to do a lateral flow test.
If they are positive, adults should stay home and avoid contact with people for five days and children should avoid contact for three days.
People should still stay at home if the LFT is negative, as it will only test for Covid-19 and not the flu virus or other respiratory viruses.
Islanders should also do an LFT before visiting a vulnerable person.
‘We would also ask for the continued support of businesses with workforce management and encouraging staff to stay at home if unwell,’ she said.
‘That focus on workforce wellbeing will be important this winter and help ensure infections don’t spread throughout colleagues and teams.’
. Jersey currently has 378 active Covid cases.
