Guernsey to introduce new covid measures after sharp case rise

Thursday 21 October 2021

Guernsey’s emergency decision-makers are today expected to announce the return of face mask guidance and a major lateral flow testing drive after the number of cases more than doubled in a week.

205 people are officially recorded as having the illness on the island, with five people in hospital.

In the UK, politicians have resisted calls from senior figures at the NHS to re-introduce some restrictions, with current forecasts reporting that the number of new cases could increase to 100,000 daily. 

Under Guernsey's current measures, there are no testing or self-isolation requirements for arrivals into the Bailiwick from the Common Travel Area, regardless of their vaccination status. 

Pictured: The Bailiwick today adopted the UK’s red list for those who have travelled from or through non-CTA countries.  

The increase in cases has pushed the island's emergency decision-making body - the Civil Contingencies Authority - to hold a live press conference today at 13:00.

In it, Chief Minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache and Public Health Director Dr Nicola Brink are expected to discuss active cases, hospital admissions and the recommendation of new guidance for all islanders to reduce the risk of transmission. 

At a Scrutiny hearing yesterday, Dr Brink indicated that new advice would include using face coverings in certain situations, in addition to the increasing use of lateral flow tests, which are now being made available for islanders to collect free at point of use.

Plans to accelerate the island's vaccine booster programme are also likely to be part of the response.

Pictured top: Chief Minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache and Public Health Director Dr Nicola Brink, who are both members of the Civil Contingencies Authority.