Policy to allow more freedom of movement needed

THE team headed by yourself and Dr Nikki Brink has done a wonderful job in eradicating the Covid-19 virus from the islands. They have been helped by a compliant population, sensible rules, like two hours daily for exercise, and a lovely island to run around, to walk with dogs and to cycle.

This has all enabled the PEH to have minimum ICU usage and no disasters in care facilities, like those in Italy. Sadly, the deaths have been mainly from our care homes, and thus continues the seasonal nature of viral illness in these establishments.

However, now is the time for politicians to earn their money and make decisions for the good of all the island and not just the relatively small number of at-risk islanders. They need to consider the effects of continued isolation on the population as a whole and those with families in other jurisdictions needing physical and emotional support.

Neither Aurigny nor Condor will operate other than a skeleton service whilst these quarantine restrictions exist. It would just not make economic sense.

Covid-19 infection is not a severe illness to the majority of patients – only for those with certain risk factors, who have been protected so far. We are now in our summer months and there is ample evidence world-wide that transmission of Covid-19 is greatly reduced in heat, and any second wave of infection is more likely in winter conditions, so we are likely to have some warning.

Many people like myself, a fit-ish, tubby 73-year-old, a retired medical practitioner, are still able to assess risks for ourselves and make informed choices that are sadly not given to us at the moment.

I personally have no wish to be marooned on the island until a vaccine arrives, if ever. I have a 93-year-old mother who wonders if she will see her son again in person, and not on Facetime. I have children and grandchildren who I want to see before I die and I do not want to spend the rest of my life isolated from family and watching Netflix.

We have various testing methods we can consider, like Covid testing, checking antibody titers, temperature assessments and, importantly, travel history, that can be used to facilitate new entry criteria. We could consider an entry surcharge to help pay for the above if necessary. We have an efficient test and trace organisation, and I think there is enough talent and innovation on the island to come up with a suitable policy to allow more freedom of movement and better off-island communication – and thus also save our economy.

BOB HASKINS, FRCOG

Le Pre Martin,

Rue des Eturs,

Castel,

Guernsey,

GY5 7DT.