Time to set an example over mask-wearing

To take this step is not without risk to the CCA, the States, and the island generally. As we have said before, mandatory mask-wearing could well effectively lockdown some sectors of the economy again, and nobody is going to be happy about that.

Yesterday Deputy Peter Ferbrache eschewed the press conference for a good old-fashioned open letter, published in full in our news pages.

Seventy-nine cases recorded in a single day looks bad – if you’re worried by that kind of thing. Maybe 12 months ago we were, but now most islanders are not so worried. We have vaccination, boosters, more knowledge about what kind of illness Covid can be, and its effect on those we know who have had it.

Now we’re not so worried, verging on the complacent, the pleas for mask-wearing largely go unheeded.

The States said yesterday that the new high of 385 known cases was ‘not putting an unmanageable strain' on hospital services, but should be treated as ‘a timely reminder to us all to be vigilant’.

‘We’re seeing lots of other unwelcome bugs which can be a challenge for our elderly and vulnerable, adding highly transmissible Covid-19 this only makes it a more challenging time of year. Even those double-vaccinate who have had a booster are still at risk of getting ill,’ the States continued.

‘It’s time to dig deep and rekindle that #GuernseyTogether spirit that we were so proud of. If we all take personal responsibility for ourselves and our families, we can work together and support each other to prevent the spread and putting more pressure on our Health and Social Care teams.'

Islanders would welcome two things at this stage.

Firstly more information about case demographics – it is believed that more young people are contracting the virus than older adults – and secondly, a lead from the public sector.

Some could not understand why States buildings weren’t leading following the ‘strong recommendation’ to wear masks – now we hear that they will. That could help to make a difference.