Press Release - Covid cluster of cases 19.07.2021

Testing and contact tracing continues in Alderney to manage COVID-19 cases

25 cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in Alderney since the first case was identified on
Friday (16 July). 23 of the current 25 active cases are linked. Two others are travel-related
or contact-related and have no link to the main cluster. There continue to be no cases
requiring hospital care.

Around 800 tests were carried out from Friday and over the weekend as part of a testing
strategy which sees not only tests for contacts and anyone displaying symptoms, but also
surge and source testing, where all individuals who attended an event or place of interest
were invited for testing. This high volume of testing targeted to areas of concern is a core
part of the Bailiwick's planned response for any such cluster of cases.

Alongside the testing strategy, some (but not all) direct contacts of cases are required to
self-isolate. Each is given guidance by Public Health, which takes into account the individuals
vaccination status, occupation and the likelihood they will come into contact with
vulnerable people.

Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health said

"We are testing in very high numbers in Alderney to give us the best possible
visibility of where the virus is, so we can bring it under control quickly. I realise this
is causing some anxiousness in Alderney, which had only seen one positive case
throughout the pandemic before this cluster. We also know that for those who are
having to self-isolate, because they are not fully vaccinated or because of the nature
of their work, this can have a particularly big impact as many people in Alderney
work not just one but two or three different jobs. The next 48 hours will be key in
telling us the full extent of the situation in Alderney. But at this point, with the
community's cooperation, I'm still confident we can bring the virus under control
quickly and we will not need to consider lockdown measures."

The States of Alderney thanks Islanders for their cooperation in seeking testing and, where
necessary, self-isolating.

States Member Bill Abel, member of the Civil Contingencies Authority said

"There's no doubt this outbreak has rocked our community after more than 18
months with no community seeding and the impact on the community and in
particular our younger working people is substantial. We have had fantastic support
from the Guernsey and Alderney health and medical teams and I am sure the
community will support me in thanking them for their hard work and dedication.
Testing is continuing both via track and trace and a broader scheme of 'source
testing', and Islanders are to be thanked for coming forward for testing. I don't think
I need to remind anyone to practice good hand hygiene, stay home if you're unwell
and report any symptoms, and respect each other's personal space. Although things
are difficult for us, we have a highly vaccinated community and are in a good place to
cope with this cluster, and we're encouraged that currently we have no seriously ill
cases requiring hospital care. We are working very closely with Public Health, and we
should all test if we've been asked to test and self-isolate where we've been asked to
self-isolate. We also need to maintain our perspective, as for many of us, we're not
being asked to do anything except follow the good practice that we know so well.

Mr Abel also thanked Alderney's shopping and hospitality venues for their response in
managing the situation with sensitivity and support for the measures that have been put in
place.

The States of Alderney, Civil Contingencies Authority and Public Health Services will
continue to provide updates over the coming days.

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