Press Release - Covid-19 measures 16.07.2021

Covid-19 advice for Islanders

Following identification of three cases of Covid-19 on Alderney and advice from Public Health Guernsey, the States of Alderney will be taking a cautious approach to the situation.

These are thought to be 'community seeding' cases and there is no evidence that they reached the Island from outside the Bailiwick.

As part of the response to the evolving situation a programme of 'surge testing' is being put in place. Public Health Services has also advised that Alderney residents adopt a number of Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) to minimise any risk of further infections.

Anyone feeling unwell and experiencing Covid-19 symptoms such as fever, cough and shortness of breath, even those who have been fully vaccinated, should stay at home and contact the Clinical Helpline by calling 01481 756938 or 01481 756969. Alternatively, the Island Medical Centre on 01481 822077, but please be aware that the staff will be very busy. Visit covid19.gov.gg/guidance/symptoms for a full list of symptoms.

Further key measures that Islanders are advised to adopt include:

• Wearing face coverings when out and about in the community, but strongly recommended when inside public buildings.

• Paying attention to hygiene such as frequent handwashing and using hand-sanitisers when visiting public places

• Respecting personal space with 2m social distancing recommended

• Organisers of events should keep a list of attendees in case contact tracing is required

Staff at the Connaught Care Home, the hospital and the IMC will be using increased PPE protection. At the moment, the Connaught is not allowing visitors and there are restrictions on who can visit the hospital.

"People should not be overly concerned," said Alderney's senior politician Bill Abel. "Dr [Nicola] Brink and her Public Health team have reacted swiftly overnight to make sure they are on top of the situation and we can be confident that their swift measures will contain this limited occurrence.

"The Island is highly vaccinated but we are urging people to be cautious in order to minimise risk. Along with Guernsey, we are learning to live responsibly with Covid."

Public Health is committed to significant 'surge testing' and other measures including contact tracing among those connected to the three cases. This will enable the extent of the situation to be established and bring a greater degree of clarification as to how Alderney will manage the coming days. We will of course continue to update information as it becomes available.

Further advice and information is available at covid19.gov.gg.