Press Release - Reduction in Self Isolation Period 17.08.20

Alderney reduces self-isolation period for travellers entering the Island from outside the Bailiwick

Alderney is now finalising plans for overcoming the logistics and practical difficulties associated with new rules for testing travellers arriving from outside the Bailiwick.

Medical professionals advising the States have now signalled their readiness for large-scale 'on-arrival' testing for Covid-19.

Alderney will therefore be joining with the wider Bailiwick Phase 5b arrangements for release from lockdown from September 3rd.

Jurisdictions outside the Bailiwick will be divided into Group A, Group B and Group C countries.

Anyone arriving in Alderney from a Group A country within the previous 14 days must enter compulsory self-isolation for 14 days.

Anyone arriving in Alderney from a Group B country can:

•  Self-isolate for 14 days; or
• self-isolate for seven days then elect to take a test for SARS-Cov-2 with release to 'passive follow-up' on receipt of negative result

'Passive follow-up' means a person:

• Must report any symptoms consistent with Covid-19 and return to self-isolation and arrange a test for SARS-Cov-2;
• Must not visit a hospital unless for emergency care. In this case, prior notification should be given if possible;
• Must discuss with the relevant healthcare service, for example the GP or Hospital Clinic, if attending an appointment during the period of passive surveillance; and
• Must not visit a care and residential home without prior arrangement with the Care Home Manager.

Anyone arriving from a Group C country is not required to undertake any self-isolation or testing. These countries are those with agreed air-bridges with the Bailiwick - currently only the Isle of Man.

A full list of countries in Groups A, B and C can be found at https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/travel/countries. Changes to the lists may occur at short notice. The restrictions during this period of 'passive follow-up' will be the same as those that that apply to travellers to other parts of the Bailiwick and full details of the restrictions can also be found on the www.gov.gg website.

The new rules mean that many travellers to Alderney and from September 3rd will now be required to self-isolate for a much shorter period. It needs, however, to be noted that in the period between 17th August and 3rd September, while Alderney remains in Phase 5a, and Guernsey is already in Phase 5b, those travellers who have self-isolated for 7-days in Guernsey will not be permitted to move on to Alderney until they have completed their additional 7-days of 'passive follow-up'.

James Dent, Chairman of Alderney's Policy and Finance Committee said: "The removal of these restrictions will be welcomed, particularly by the business community. We also hope that more of our second home owners will be prepared to travel and we thank them for their support during this difficult time. The move will also be welcomed by Alderney residents who need to visit the UK and who previously had the prospect of a long period of self-isolation on their return."

Ends