“Strong advice” to wear masks amid concerns of fourth wave

Friday 05 November 2021

Islanders are being “strongly advised” to wear face masks while out and about and increase their use of lateral flow tests amid concerns that a fourth wave of covid could be on its way.

From today, the government is recommending the following measures to islanders:

• “to get themselves and their family members vaccinated against covid-19 and flu as soon as possible – as it is not too late to get first doses and begin to receive protection;

• “to know their covid-19 status, by increasing the frequency of lateral flow testing (LFT), before meeting other people, attending parties and large events, or going into educational or health settings;

• “to wear face coverings in indoor public settings whenever it is practical - this includes in shops, when not eating or drinking in restaurants or bars, and anywhere indoors where distancing cannot be guaranteed or where there is poor ventilation.” 

In particular, those planning to attend bonfire night this weekend are being asked to take an LFT in advance.

Dr Ivan Muscat, the Deputy Medical Officer of Health who has been leading the island’s covid response, said there is an “expectation that there will be another wave of covid-19 infection over the winter period, in addition to flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) being in co-circulation.”

Pictured: Islanders are being urged to perform a home LFT before going to any bonfire night celebrations or gatherings this weekend.

He continued: “The latest epidemiological evidence is showing both a rise in the number of covid cases and in the rate of growth in cases, with much of the recent increase in positive cases being in clusters and in the young population aged under 18.

“Alongside the general public health guidance that we have all come to know well, such as regularly washing your hands, it is important that islanders come forward for both flu and covid vaccination if they are eligible to do so.  

“An increase in the covid vaccination amongst younger islanders will give these islanders the important protection they need as well as helping to reduce onward transmission. Additionally, due to waning vaccine protection, it is important that those Islanders eligible for a booster dose, book an appointment as soon as possible to give themselves good protection over the winter months.”

There are currently 583 recorded cases of covid in Jersey, and three people are in hospital with the illness. It's understood that the Government will be releasing further public health advice in the near future.

73% of the island's population has had at least one dose of the vaccine, and more than 19,000 people have had a third 'booster' shot.

This winter, the Government is also placing an emphasis on flu vaccination and more than 28,000 have been delivered.

46% of 0 to 16-year-olds had been immunised, 26% of 50 to 54-year-olds, 59% of 65 to 79-year-olds, and 59% of over-80s.

Meanwhile, 10,000 people have joined the lateral flow home testing programme.

READ MORE...

WATCH: Winter covid strategy marks shift to "personal responsibility"

Q&A: How will the mass home testing programme work?

Mask-wearing now "strongly recommended" in Guernsey (22 October 2021)