Big case spike sparks covid cluster investigation

Friday 27 November 2020

Jersey's covid cases have jumped by 23%, with the government specifically investigating a cluster of cases originating from a private event.

The government has announced that the island has 181 active cases, an overall increase of 32 from the previous official number of 149. The number of people in hospital remains at two. With three people recovering, the number of actual new cases confirmed is 35.

After publishing the statistics showing the sharp rise in active cases, the government also said it was investigating a specific event:

"We are aware of a cluster of cases originating from a private event held last week in the hospitality sector. This is being investigated to check whether or not all the public health measures were followed. We would urge Islanders to adhere to the rules, as just one event can have a significant effect on our statistics and we want to ensure we can continue to avoid a lockdown in the run-up to Christmas."

The number of active cases in the Island is 181.
125 are symptomatic and 56 are asymptomatic. 2 are in hospital (-).
Total Tests
174,704 negative tests (+1,004)
897 confirmed positive (+35)
693 confirmed recovered (+3)
772 pending

(6/7)

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) November 26, 2020

Yesterday it emerged that two more schools had sent home substantial numbers of pupils, following positive test results. 

JCG has now sent home all its year 13 students, following a case in that group, and they will now be tested for the virus.

If they are not considered to be a 'direct contact' of the case, and receive a negative test result, they'll be allowed back to school on Monday.

Pictured: many island schools have had to send home large groups of children to isolate following confirmed cases.

Yesterday the Department for Children, Young People, Education and Skills also confirmed that a student at St. Michael’s School has tested positive for covid-19.

They said that parents have been informed and the students and siblings (following St. Michael's own school policy) who were in the "double year group bubble" have been asked to remain at home until the Contact Tracing process has been completed. 

Statistics Update:
Since Wednesday 25 Nov, 3 individuals have recovered and 35 new cases have been identified (5 through planned workforce screening, 1 through cohort screening, 20 through contact tracing, and 9 while individuals were seeking healthcare).

(5/7) pic.twitter.com/NqgYNjeJFW

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) November 26, 2020

Education Minister Senator Tracey Vallois said: “I would like to thank students, parents and school staff for their patience and understanding during these difficult times. 

We are aware that the increase in Covid-19 cases has been a challenging time across many secondary schools. I also recognise the particular challenges experienced by students and families who have to isolate.

“The Department for Children, Young People Education and Skills continues to meet regularly with school leaders, unions and representatives from Contact Tracing will also be briefing headteachers directly this week. This is to discuss ways in which schools further develop their strategies of year group bubbles as well as the guidance to parents and students about isolation and testing.

Pictured: the government says that the average turnaround time for test results is 9 hours. 

Earlier this week, the Education and Health Ministers defended the decision to ask nearly 200 Victoria College students to isolate after a single sixth former tested positive for covid-19, saying it was a result of Year 12 and 13 sharing the same social space.

A second positive case of the virus was identified among the students over the weekend, following a confirmed case in the year 12 group last Wednesday.

Around 200 Victoria College students were sent home after the first case was identified.