Move to next phase passes off quietly
FOR something keenly anticipated, yesterday’s move into post-lockdown phase 5c was very low key.
The ability to test thousands of people each day for Covid-19 is a step change that is to be welcomed.
The added testing capacity and the self-testing booths at the airport and harbour can give the island more confidence that it is prepared for whatever the pandemic winter has in store.
And on-arrival swab testing gives the island a head start in tracking and isolating the contacts of any new infections before lasting damage is done.
The new measures have arrived just in time.
New modelling from the UK’s Sage advisory body suggests the second wave of the pandemic will result nationally in more deaths than the first.
According to the new projections, deaths will peak at a lower level than in the first wave, but remain high for weeks or even months.
It is a grim forecast and puts at risk not just the UK's Christmas but any hope of a strong economic recovery should a second lockdown across England prove necessary.
The approach this Bailiwick takes to managing its borders will no doubt balance such worrying data against the improved testing capacity. The worse our neighbours fare, the tighter our borders must remain.
We start the winter in a strong position. A ninth case has been identified, but it is part of the same unexplained cluster. There would be far greater concern if it was another index case.
Unlike parts of the UK, we have a population that is largely obeying the rules. Self-isolation for 14 days is hard, but it works. Our courts and enforcement teams are playing their part with strong penalties that should persuade all but the most foolish to quarantine properly.
The tangible results of that policy make it easier for islanders to avoid the ‘corona fatigue’ afflicting much of Europe. Empty hospital beds (at least of Covid patients), no masks and relative peace of mind at large gatherings such as Halloween and bonfire night show it is working.
In that light, long may Phase 5c go unnoticed. The best that can be hoped for is to keep this disease out of the headlines.