Alderney faces 'significant risk of infection'

The Alderney community has been warned there is "a significant risk that the Covid-19 infection may be on the island". There are no positive cases on the island at the present time.

Speaking on QuayFM this morning (Jan 27), President William Tate asked people not to panic or spread rumours on social media.

But after speaking to Dr Sally Simmons at the Island Medical Centre (IMC) before his broadcast, he said some people on the island would be contacted by Public Health in Guernsey which is conducting an extensive track and trace programme following the increase of community cases in Guernsey in the past week.

"If you are contacted and you are told you are a contact then you must self-isolate for 14 days," said the President. "The work by Guernsey Public Health is supported by the IMC team."

Any person contacted will be tested, but at present not others they have been in contact with. Test samples will be sent to Guernsey with results within 24-48 hours depending on the weather. IMC will schedule people to arrive by car or taxi if possible during mornings as the swabs have to be sent by air at present. There will inevitably be delays but people must stay at home and isolate until their result is negative.

Anyone experiencing symptoms is asked to call the IMC immediately on 822077. Advice has been to call the clinical hotline but Public Health Guernsey is currently extremely busy.

The main symptoms are new and severe fatigue, new muscle ache for no obvious reason, headache (sinus pain, pain around eyes), loss of smell/taste, sore throat, fever (high temperature, rigors, chills, can't get warm), shortness of breath and chest tightness, continuous new cough. In children or the elderly, loose stools, mild fever and a developing cough are additional symptoms.

Testing for people with symptoms is either a drive through at the IMC or at the hospital.

All of the island's doctors have received both doses of the vaccine and medical staff have the latest PPE. Anyone attending the IMC or the hospital should wear a face mask.

The IMC continues to deal with urgent cases but is determining which other patients can be seen at another time. Those with acute symptoms such as a sudden onset of pain should contact the IMC immediately, or if the condition is severe, call an ambulance.

Mr Tate also confirmed that wearing a face covering, although not mandatory, was recommended in enclosed spaces or where other people are likely to be, for their own protection and the protection of others. Social distancing must be maintained.

He asked Islanders not to speculate. "Don't listen to rumour and certainly don't pass it on," he said. "Take a grown-up approach, trust the professionals and wait until the accurate information is available.

"Yes we may have a problem but we don't have to be overly concerned because the right processes are in place."

For more information and guidance please visit www.covid19.gov.gg or the States of Alderney website www.alderney.gov.gg where the latest media information will be posted.

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