Press Release - Vaccinations Update 01.02.2021

Alderney's frontline medics, the vulnerable and over-65s are all vaccinated against Covid-19

More than 1,000 people in Alderney have now received the first of two vaccinations to protect them against Covid-19.

That means all of the first five priority rankings including care home residents and their carers, frontline health and social care workers, and everyone over 65 have now received their first vaccination.

It's been achieved thanks to the professional and effective measures put in place by Guernsey's Director of Public Health, Dr. Nicola Brink, Health and Social Care, and the prompt action of the Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA), together with the support of the Island Medical Centre (IMC) which worked flat out over several weekends to achieve this milestone.

A further 300 Astra Zeneca vaccines will be delivered to Alderney later this week. These are reserved for the second dose for residents in The Connaught Care Home, Jubilee Residential Home, frontline health and social care workers and all those aged 80 and above.

"We have the utmost respect for the advice of Dr Brink and our on-Island medical heroes, having followed their advice throughout," said Alderney's President, William Tate. "We are so fortunate to have this level of support and protection for our elderly and the most vulnerable.

"However, I must stress that we must continue to be on our guard and follow the restrictions placed on the whole Bailiwick to ensure that we remain virus-free. That means maintaining social distance and following the protocols to protect ourselves and each other."

Mr Tate advised Islanders that face coverings, whether surgical mask or scarf, are recommended when outside the home, especially in food shops in order to respect workers and shoppers alike.

"Face coverings are not compulsory because there is no legislation in place," he said. "But 99.5% of people are wearing them to protect themselves and others."

Islanders are also asked to call the IMC on 822077 if they develop symptoms, however mild, rather than the clinical helpline in Guernsey which is extremely busy.

The main Covid-19 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. Everyone with symptoms must self-isolate for 14 days.

The President has also reassured everyone who relies on Meals on Wheels that they would be looked after. Alderney Spirit, the network of volunteers established last year by Mr Tate and his wife Gabrielle, remains available to those in need and volunteers from last year's lockdown are asked to confirm availability by calling Liz Sumner on 820003.
The Helping Hand Appeal also continues to assist those in urgent need of financial support - call Gill Trousdale on 820001 for an application form.

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.