“An influenza pandemic has routinely been recognised as being one of the Bailiwick’s highest risks from an emergency planning perspective and therefore considerable effort has been invested over recent years to ensure that robust and co-ordinated plans are in place,” HSC President Deputy Heidi Soulsby told fellow States Members during her update in the Assembly this morning.
“The focus of these plans is mitigation and reducing the risk for islanders, as well as communicating with the public to build awareness, managing anxiety within the community and providing reassurance that we are well equipped to respond to circumstances that are changing at pace.
Pictured: HSC President, Deputy Heidi Soulsby.
“So what next? Well, we continue to plan, prepare and respond where we can be proactive.
“Within the last seven days, the situation has significantly changed and at an early stage, efforts have been expanded beyond Health & Social Care.
“Increased effort is not being dedicated to business continuity, supply chains and the impact on the economy and businesses should the situation escalate. It is difficult to predict, but we need to prepare for every eventuality whilst ensuring a proportionate response.
“The experience gained from working across the organisation in preparing for the potential of a no deal Brexit has helped, but we also require the collaboration, understanding and good will of businesses and the public to effectively and proactively manage this situation.”
Deputy Soulsby also took the time to thank the island’s Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, and her team who have been working on a “multitude of workstreams” behind the scenes.
So far, 65 people in Guernsey have been tested for coronavirus. 63 of those tests have come back negative, including all of those linked with the Grammar School ski trip, while the other two people tested in the last week are still waiting for their results.
More information and advice on the virus is available here.