Guernsey Press

Facemasks are ‘strongly advised' for those in enhanced passive follow-up

MASKS are strongly advised for anyone in the new, enhanced passive follow-up when they are outside their home, including at work.

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Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink explains the requirements of 'enhanced passive follow-up' (Picture by Sophie Rabey, 28802777)

Explaining the new requirements for people entering the Bailiwick following the introduction of phase 5c of the exit from lockdown, possibly on 26 October, Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink stressed the importance of adhering to the rules, which are backed by law.

Arrivals from category 2 countries who test negative in their on-arrival test will be in the follow-up period until their day seven test.

Category 3 arrivals will also be subject to these rules until day 14 if they test negative on day 7, after seven days of self-isolation.

Enhanced passive follow-up means the person cannot go to indoor venues such as restaurants, including those offering al fresco dining, clubs, cafes, pubs, gyms, swimming pools, theatres or cinemas.

They can only go to indoor shops to buy essentials such as food or toiletries.

They also must not attend any gathering of more than 10 people.

If they attend any gatherings of fewer than 10 people, it should be in a room exclusively used by that group with controlled toilet facilities and a record should be kept of those attending for 14 days.

They may not use public transport, unless it is a taxi with the appropriate mitigation in place to protect the driver.

Those working in public-facing roles, such as retail assistants, receptionists, teachers etc., cannot return to work while under enhanced passive follow-up.

Other workers should tell their employer to ensure they carry out a risk assessment and put in place precautions.

Children in enhanced passive follow-up must not go to school.

Anyone in enhanced passive follow-up is strongly advised to wear a facemask and practise social distancing when they are outside their home, including at work.

They should observe good hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.