Covid-19 risk has always been there
IT WAS a proud record, and a reassuring one, but it could not last for ever.
Six months ago, the island had its first positive test for Covid-19. It was an anxious, uncertain time.
This feels very different.
Back in March, the world knew little about SARS-CoV-2. But as hospitals across Asia, Europe and then the Americas filled with severely ill patients and the death toll rose the understanding of doctors and researchers has grown enormously.
That has informed people across the planet and, unwelcome though yesterday’s news is, a single case should not be the cause of widespread panic.
Months of preparation have given the island time to build and improve its test and trace system. It worked well enough to eliminate the disease once. It can do so again.
In the meantime, islanders must continue to practise good hygiene levels – a sensible precaution at all times regardless. The Bailiwick bubble has not burst, just shown that it is permeable.
The first case since the island was declared Covid-free cannot bring up the shutters and force the islands into tighter travel restrictions. That would be an overreaction.
Instead, it should encourage us all to be more on our guard and conscious that we are not shut off from the world and the disease, only shielded from it. And as winter approaches and the prevalence rate increases in neighbouring countries the risks of the disease coming through our ports will only increase.
It has felt comforting in the days since Wednesday 27 May to believe that the disease had been ‘eradicated’ locally. At sports stadiums, music venues, shops, schools, pubs and offices the Bailiwick has lived a privileged ‘normal’ life.
This news takes away some of that ease and adds an edge to islanders’ daily lives. If that can mean a little more caution returns about hugs, kisses and giving people space perhaps it is for the best.
With a contained case, caught early, the island can hope that this is a one-off and a new streak of days clear of the virus can be built.
But it should not be forgotten that some element of risk, no matter how small, is always there.