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Islanders who have been shielding at home since the beginning of the virus outbreak have now been told they can “carefully” consider spending time outdoors to exercise or meet family and friends.
A new ‘Activity Risk Guide’ has been published by the Government to advise islanders at high or moderate risk - previously described as ‘severely vulnerable’ and ‘vulnerable’ - on the activities they may consider resuming while maintaining strict physical distancing and hygiene guidance.
It comes after the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, updated the guidance for those at high or moderate risk of illness from covid-19.
Pictured: The Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, has updated the guidance for those at high or moderate risk of illness from covid-19.
The guide splits activities in two categories ‘higher risk’ and ‘lower risk’.
Islanders in the high risk category include transplant recipients, islanders with cancer, people having immunotherapy or antibody treatments for cancer, people on immunosuppression therapies, pregnant women with heart disease, people with severe respiratory conditions and people with rare diseases that increase the risk of infection.
Those deemed to be at moderate risk include islanders with less severe respiratory conditions, chronic heart disease, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, neurological conditions, diabetes type 1 and 2, spleen problems, and those who are seriously overweight or pregnant.
Islanders considered to be clinically high risk are encouraged to do activities on their own or with people to live with, to prioritise activities where physical distancing can be followed and to wear a face mask, especially when they cannot follow physical distancing.
They are also advised to avoid activities associated with increased production of respiratory droplets, such as “singing, shouting or coughing”, as well as those where they will have to touch surfaces or items other people have touched.
Generally, islanders at high risk are advised to avoid indoor activities outside their own home, not to return to the workplace, and not to use public transport.
However, the advice notes it would be safer to high risk islanders to return to work if they work on their own and do not use public transport.
Pictured: Islanders at high risk are advised to avoid indoor activities outside their own home.
High risk Islanders will be contacted by their GPs or another healthcare professional via letter by 1 July to explain what the new guidance means for them.
Islanders who consider themselves as high risk or are a parent or carer of someone in this category, and do not receive a letter by 1 July, should contact their GP or healthcare professional.
Children and young people who are at high risk are generally not expected to attend school. Parents are advised to contact their child’s specialist doctor to discuss their specific situation, if they feel this may not be in their child’s best interest.
If it is decided following discussion between the doctor, child and parents that the benefit of returning to school outweighs the risks, the child should do so following all appropriate guidance.
Pictured: Children and young people who are at high risk are generally not expected to attend school.
The Deputy Medical Officer of Health said the updated guidance follows the current “very low level of covid-19 in Jersey”.
“It will support islanders to make informed decisions about the activities they choose to undertake and empower them to make choices that are right for their individual circumstances.”
Dr Muscat added that it was important for everyone to attend any medical appointments they might have and seek medical advice and support where needed, whether this is covid-19 related or not.
Meanwhile, guidance for islanders at moderate risk has not changed, and they are encouraged to be cautious and continue to follow the public health guidance.
“Islanders should be reassured that currently, the risk of infection in health care settings is also very low indeed because of the very low overall activity in general and the strong safety measures that are in place in health care settings,” he explained.
“We should be proud of the Island-wide effort to contain the spread of covid-19, especially those at high risk, who have been shielding for nearly three months,” Dr Muscat added.
“I hope those affected can begin to enjoy some balance in their everyday activity. All guidance will be kept under review depending on levels of infection.”
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