Covid recruitment drive as direct contacts pass 2,300

Thursday 01 July 2021

The Government is looking for more people to join its testing teams as the number of covid-19 cases continues to increase in the island, reaching 250 yesterday with more than 2,300 direct contacts.

60 new cases were identified between Tuesday and last night, half of whom were people seeking help after feeling unwell.

20 others had been identified through contact tracing, with the remainder coming through inbound travel, workforce screening, and cohort screening. 

According to the latest statistics for schools, there were seven confirmed cases reported in schools yesterday. This included a pupil at Jersey College for Girls, five at Victoria College and a member of staff at St. Lawrence Primary School. 

Meanwhile, there are currently 2,353 direct contacts in the island.

The number of direct contacts has been proving difficult for businesses, who have been losing staff as a result. El Tico was among those to bemoan the current situation.

On social media, it warned that it was unable to operate at normal capacity and having to accept fewer customers as a result, adding: "The current situation is desperately frustrating. Once Government of Jersey sorts out a consistent, pragmatic and understandable policy regarding age and isolation requirements, we are hopeful that normal service will resume.

"Otherwise, brace yourself for a summer of total chaos (and hopefully some sunshine)."

As cases continue to rise in the island, the Government is seeking ‘Test, Trace, Protect and Isolate Support Workers’ for an immediate start and until the end of September. 

The description for the job, which pays £14.26 per hour, reads: "We are looking for customer service orientated individuals with great communication skills, who are able to work in multi-faceted customer facing roles.

"Within these roles there is the requirement to be customer facing and wear PPE, so you should be comfortable in doing this.

"You will need to be able to commit to working 37 hours / week minimum on a shift basis, potentially between 06:00 and 23:00, including weekends."

The Government is also seeking to recruit within its Covid Safe Team, which is responsible for checking on islanders who have tested positive and their contacts, as well as visiting businesses to provide advice and guidance on ‘Covid-safe’ guidelines.

According to the job description, "the Covid Safe Team operates 7 days a week from 08:00 to 20:00, so you will need to be prepared to work across these operational hours, on an agreed shift pattern."