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Chief Minister "disturbed" islanders ignoring isolation advice

Chief Minister

Wednesday 18 March 2020

Chief Minister "disturbed" islanders ignoring isolation advice

Wednesday 18 March 2020


The Chief Minister has said he was "disturbed" to learn some islanders have been ignoring self-isolation advice, putting the lives of vulnerable people at risk.

The comments from Senator John Le Fondré came following the second meeting of the Emergencies Council.

The meeting, which this time also included the Education Minister and Treasury Minister, involved discussion of the closure of schools, the postponement of large-scale events, and support for small businesses.

Announcements on these measures are expected this afternoon.

The meeting also involved an update on the island's management of the covid-19 pandemic and how best to contain the virus.

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Pictured: The Chief Minister talking to Dr Muscat.

Deputy Medical Officer for Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, said that the island was working to 'flatten the curve', which means using measures to slow the spread of the illness, and so ease pressure on the island's health service.

However, the meeting also heard that certain travellers were not following some of the measures aimed at achieving this.

“The Emergencies Council was disturbed to hear that some people are ignoring the advice we have been issuing on who should self-isolate after arriving in Jersey. Instead, they have been seen out and about when they should be staying at home to protect other, more vulnerable Islanders," The Chief Minister said.

“We cannot stress enough how important it is that our community is mindful of the risk Covid-19 presents for older people and those with underlying health conditions, many of which are not evident at first glance.”

It comes after tougher new restrictions were imposed yesterday, stipulating that anyone returning from Europe or Eurasia - regardless of symptoms - should self-isolate for 14 days.

At present, the restrictions remain guidance rather than rules. Health Director General Caroline Landon told Express at a conference on Monday that, while the government can't currently compel islanders to follow them, she hoped they would do the right thing to help save as many lives as possible.

Dr Muscat and various health officials will be attending a press conference this morning at 09:00 to discuss the statistical models they are using to make their decisions.

You can follow it LIVE on Express's Facebook page by clicking here.

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