Stricter self-isolation measures for people coming into Bailiwick
STRICTER self-isolation measures have been introduced for people travelling into the Bailiwick.
Changes to how people self-isolate, made by the Civil Contingencies Authority, came into force on Monday.
‘A person, a family or a group of travellers arriving in the Bailiwick cannot self-isolate in properties where four or more separate household groups live within the same shared unit of accommodation, unless there is a separate bathroom for each household and people isolating can have food, drink, and other essentials items delivered to them without leaving their place of self-isolation,’ said States chief executive Paul Whitfield.
‘If you can’t meet the new stricter self-isolation requirements, you must find alternative accommodation or self-isolate in self-isolation accommodation which may be a hotel room or self-catering accommodation.’
The Guernsey Border Agency will carry out at least one home visit during the self-isolation period with further unannounced phone checks.
Self-isolation within a hotel for the 14-day period is said to cost between £1,400 and £1,700. There will only be financial help, via the hardship fund, in exceptional circumstances where travel is essential.
Mr Whitfield said the changes for travellers was the only way to reduce levels of transmissibility and protect the community, but he did not expect it to impact significant numbers of people.
‘I must emphasise, our self-isolation is one of the most important parts of our protection to maintain our current positive position and is aligned to our vaccination schedule,’ he said.
‘It is anticipated to remain in place as long as April, subject to ongoing reviews by Public Health services.’
It was Mr Whitfield’s belief that if someone developed Covid in isolation in this way, then it stood every chance of being contained.
