While someone is self isolating, they should avoid physical contact with the rest of the community. That means they should stay in their home at all times, except when they are getting medical care – in which case they should phone ahead and explain their situation.
They must not go into work, school or any other public areas. They must not ‘pop to the shops’, go out for a drive or use public transport until it has been deemed safe to do so.
Pictured: Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink.
Anyone in self isolation who needs shopping or medications should ask for help.
At the moment, anyone returning to the island from a Group A country must self isolate for two weeks, regardless of whether they have any symptoms. Those countries include:
- Mainland China (excluding Hong Kong and Macau)
- Iran
- South Korea
- Specific lockdown areas designated by the government of Italy
- Whole of Italy – returning since 10 March 2020
- Spain – returning since 16 March 2020
- France – returning since 16 March 2020
Meanwhile, those returning from any Group B countries must self isolate if they have any covid-19 symptoms, even if they are very mild. All countries not listed in Group A are now included in Group B.
Pictured: Anyone returning from a Group A country has to self isolate for 14 days.
Even if a traveller has only transited through a Group A country, they will still be required self isolate for 14 days regardless of symptoms.
The States have published guidance on how to stay well throughout self isolation, which is available here.
As an extra precaution, Public Health is asking that anyone with flu-like symptoms, however mild, also goes into isolation for the duration of the symptoms AND 48 hours afterwards. Those symptoms include a cough, sore throat, running or blocked nose, muscle pains, fatigue or a fever.
While it’s not necessary for those people to be tested for the virus in the way that travellers are being tested, it’s hoped asking them to self isolate will reduce the risk of covid-19 spreading. In these circumstances, if the individual feels well enough and is able to work from home, they are advised to do so.
With many of these cases, patients will only have a normal cold or flu, but the measures have been put in place for infection control purposes while the island is working to contain the virus. Evidence suggests this could reduce the potential spread by up to 60%, so it is important that this advice is followed.
Pictured: Some people are being advised to work from home where possible.
In the meantime, everyone in Guernsey is being asked to start social distancing, regardless of any symptoms or recent travel.
That means everyone should begin reducing the contact they have with one another. Measures taken could include cancelling social events, reducing the use of non-essential public transport or working from home.
While people can still go out for a walk, ‘pop to the shops’ and go to medical appointments, they are being strongly advised to limit contact with other people as much as possible.
More information and advice regarding corona virus is available here.