IT failure sparks covid test queues

Monday 30 November 2020

The Government says an IT problem at the covid testing centre near the airport is the cause of long delays this morning which have led to serious tailbacks on surrounding roads.

The St. Peter Honourary Police took to social media this morning to urge drivers to avoid the area. Anyone with a test booked for this morning, has been urged to come back this afternoon instead.

It's not been made clear exactly what the problem is, but this morning the Government said it meant that staff had to manually deal with bookings for Day 5 and Day 10 travel tests.

“This means that Islanders who are visiting the centre this morning are facing a longer-than-usual wait for their test which is, in turn, causing traffic delays along L’Avenue de la Reine Elizabeth II (the airport road).

Pictured top and above: the queues at the testing centre this morning. 

“Engineers are working on the issue with the aim of restoring usual service later today. Additional staff have been deployed to the Airport Testing Centre to provide guidance and advice to those who are waiting. 

Please avoid the area of the Rugby club, bowling alley and airport if possible

Traffic backing up from COVID test centre to Beaumont roundabout due to large demand for tests

Our officers are on scene directing traffic and assisting motorists@GaryBurgessCI @JerseyPolice

— St Peter Honorary Police (@StPeterHonPol) November 30, 2020

“Any Islanders who are currently in the queue waiting for a test, or who are scheduled for a Day 5 or Day 10 COVID-19 travel test this morning, are advised to come back to the Airport Testing Centre this afternoon, when normal service is expected to resume. The Airport Testing Centre is open until 4.30pm, and affected Islanders will not need to re-book an appointment.

“Islanders who are due to have a COVID-19 test this afternoon should attend their scheduled appointment.”

“The rest of the Island’s testing capacity is unaffected, and functioning as normal.”