Islanders encouraged to get vaccinated and check on loved ones

Sunday 29 October 2023

As temperatures drop and the clocks go back, islanders are being asked to follow hygiene measures, stay home if unwell, get vaccinated, and check on loved ones to counter social isolation, says Jersey's Director of Public Health.

Professor Peter Bradley said the Health Department monitors influenza, Covid, group A streptococcus, norovirus and avian flu – and that, while there were no outbreaks of note currently, these diseases are dangerous for vulnerable islanders.

Though a hospital ward was closed to visitors in recent weeks after some patients tested positive for Covid, Professor Bradley sought to reassure islanders about the scale of the problem.

He added: "There was a small number of cases of Covid in the hospital. The numbers are very small.

"We know that Covid is in the community, so we will see small rises in cases from time to time.

"We will see the odd person getting serious disease, of course."

From today, surgical floor at the Hospital is temporarily closed to visitors, due to infection control reasons.

Islanders are asked to not visit the Hospital or any other HCS sites, if they feel unwell or have Covid or Norovirus symptoms, to help stop the spread of infections. pic.twitter.com/gIR2Yu4KQh

— Jersey Gov Health & Community Services (HCS) (@GovJsyHCS) October 12, 2023

Though Covid had become more normalised – joining the ranks of flu and other seasonal illnesses – Professor Bradley explained that "these are still significant infections" particularly for vulnerable people or those who have clinical conditions.

"For those people, we have to be considerate," he explained.

Professor Bradley encouraged islanders to follow hygiene measures including hand-washing and getting vaccinated, as well as staying at home and away from vulnerable people when feeling unwell.

But the winter brings health risks outside of viral infections, he added – with issues posed by mould and loneliness both heightened by the cold weather.

"The weather can create situations that we don't often see the rest of the year," the Public Health Director explained.

These see cross-department and cross-agency involvement, as cold weather payments and community organisations play important roles in keeping islanders healthy.

Pictured: The cold weather can "create situations that we don't often see the rest of the year" – including increased loneliness.

"If we see a dip in temperature, that can be a risk to health for those people who are older or who have other clinical conditions," said Professor Bradley.

"It also impacts people's social activity. To avoid social isolation in the winter, we're encouraging people to go and meet.

"It's very much about encouraging people to be aware of people that can be socially isolated."

This highlights "the importance of friends and family", he added.

Information about the vaccines is available online.

Pictured top: St Ouen's Bay in the snow. (Dave Ferguson)