Q&A: Who do the Government now want to test for Covid?

Friday 06 November 2020

47,000 Islanders – who make up around 70% of Jersey’s working population – are now being asked to take a test for covid-19.

Builders, cleaners, shop workers, teachers, bar staff and all States employees are all in the list, as well as more obviously 'frontline' workers, such as doctors, dentists, nurses and carers.

But how will this ambitious programme of vountary workforce testing actually work? Here, Express answers some questions you may have...

Q: Who do the Government want to test? 

A: The Government has identified various professions in Jersey that it wants to regularly test. Depending on what job you have, if it fits in with one of listed professions, this will be every four, six or eight weeks. Jobs have been put into three groups, which we list below.

In upping its programme of workforce testing, the Government hopes to identify cases and stop transmission in the community. There are currently just under 100 active cases in Jersey.

Q: What are the professions that the Government want to test?

The Government have split the workers that they would like to test into three groups, based on priority. The first - Group A – will be tested every four weeks and are made up of:

• Nurses, doctors and others working on the frontline for Health and Community Services
• Islanders working in residential and care homes
• People working for the Ambulance Service
• Those working in GP surgeries

There about 4,000 workers in Group A and the Government hope that at least 75% of them are tested in each four-week cycle.

Group B workers, who will be tested every six weeks, comprise of:

• Domiciliary and care agencies
• Family Nursing and Homecare
• Dental practices
• Jersey Hospice Care
• Prison Service

There about 3,000 workers in Group B and, once again, the Government is aiming to test 75% of them in each six-week cycle.

Lastly, the far larger Group C will be tested every eight weeks. It covers people working in:

• Building and construction
• Domestic cleaning services
• Early years and childcare
• Freight, post and delivery services
• Non-frontline workers at Health and Community Services
• Other healthcare services including private registered and allied health professionals
• Hospitality (hotels, restaurants and bars)
• Leisure and recreation
• Public transport
• Retail and wholesale
• Public sector
• Schools and colleges
• Security and facilities management
• States of Jersey Police, Fire and Rescue and Customs and Immigration
• Utilities and infrastructure
• Voluntary and community sector
• Wellbeing, cosmetic and beauty
• Worship, funeral and marriage

This group is almost 40,000 people, which equates to 66% of Jersey’s workforce. Seeing this group is so large, the Government say they intend to sample-test each occupation, and should they find new cases, they will scale up their testing in that particular group.

Q: I'm in one of those groups. What do I do now?

The testing programme is voluntary - there is no law saying you have to be tested - but the Government are encouraging as many people as possible to be tested. If you  fit into one or more of the above groups, you should book your test by ringing the coronavirus hotline on 445566 between 12 pm and 4 pm on any day of the week. The tests will take place at the testing centre at the Elizabeth Harbour. 

Q: What will they ask me when I ring?

The booking team will ask what your category of work is to identify what group you're in, and will also require some basic personal details. They will then give you an appointment time, which you will need to make a note of.

Q: What will happen when I'm tested?

The Harbour testing centre is designed to be drive-through so you will stay in your car, although there is also a walk-through part for pedestrians and cyclists. Upon arrival, you'll be asked to confirm your details. You'll need to bring ID with you AND proof of where you work AND wear a mask or nose covering, until it is not recommended for you.

Q: What is the test?

The test will be a standard PCR test, which is same as the one that all arriving passengers to Jersey have to take. The testers will take two swabs: the first from your throat, and then your nose. The whole process should take less than 30 seconds. You should get your results within 48 hours of the test.

Q: What if I test positive?

Anyone who tests positive will need to isolate with members of their household. There is quite a lot of information about this process but the Contact Tracing Team will tell you all about it when they call. There is also a lot of guidance published on gov.je. If you test negative, you will receive a text message to confirm this.