More transmissible covid variant identified in Guernsey

Tuesday 09 February 2021

All four cases of covid-19 identified on the day before Guernsey's lockdown were the more transmissible UK strain of the virus.

The positive cases, which could not be explained and were the main trigger behind the island's stay at home order towards the end of January, were confirmed in a batch of tests that were sent away for genetic testing.

Public Health Director Dr Nicola Brink said this information about the 'Kent variant', which her department received yesterday, was unsurprising, given how quickly the virus had spread through the island. 

"That fits in with what we have seen," she said of the news. "We suspected it was caused by a variant and now that has been confirmed."

Pictured: The latest testing results published at around 11:00 today. 

There are currently 366 known active cases of covid-19 in Guernsey. 21 new cases were found in the last day and 17 people have recovered.

There are 10 patients with covid-19 in the Princess Elizabeth Hospital, two of whom are receiving intensive care support.

Meanwhile, there will be a further review of lockdown measures today, CCA Chairman Peter Ferbrache confirmed, ahead of Wednesday's briefing.

He used a speech during yesterday's media briefing to try once again to dampen speculation over the cause of the current outbreak, rebutting comments he has reportedly received suggesting that his committee is "hiding" information.

"We are trying to hide absolutely nothing," he retorted. "We are giving good news as well as bad news, but we're quite prepared to give bad news."

Jersey, which currently has 54 covid cases, officially identified the presence of the Kent variant on the island last week.

Statistics update:

Since Sunday 7 February, 6 individuals have recovered and 1 new cases have been identified (1 through planned workforce screening).

The number of active cases in the Island is 54.
34 cases are symptomatic and 20 cases are asymptomatic. 3 are in hospital (-). pic.twitter.com/td8EsH1S5a

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) February 8, 2021

The island's Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, commented: “We have acted as if the Kent variant has been with us for some time. The patterns of transmission we saw over December were indicative of its presence.

“Our public health response has led to a rapid decrease in transmission including our stronger border policy of three tests with ten days of isolation for all arrivals. 

“Our vaccination programme remains key to controlling this virus however, it remains vital we adhere to the relevant public health guidelines during the vaccine roll out. The reconnection strategy and strict controls on care home visits are an important component of our cautious public health measures. 

“Both the Pfizer and Oxford vaccine remain highly effective against this Kent strain. Recent research shows that a single dose of the AstraZeneca (Oxford) vaccine, which is being used in Jersey, is protective for at least 90 days by which point the second dose will be given.” 

Pictured top - clockwise from left: Guernsey's Chief Minister Deputy Peter Ferbrache, Medical Director Dr Peter Rabey and Public Health Director Dr Nicola Brink appearing at yesterday's virtual press conference.