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Press Release - Covid report by Bill Abel 22.07.2021
COVID-19: Alderney's senior politician raises Island concerns with the Civil Contingencies Authority
A number of Alderney's concerns are being raised today with the Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA) which sets out the measures to be taken in the current pandemic circumstances.
Bill Abel, Chairman of the Policy and Finance Committee (P&F) and Alderney's representative on the CCA, told the States of Alderney meeting yesterday (Wednesday) that he was presenting concerns raised by Members including the possibility of pre-travel testing for people coming to Alderney from outside the Bailiwick.
He is also seeking clarification of the isolation rules for vaccinated and partly vaccinated people whose response to the virus may differ from unvaccinated people.
His report to the States came as hopes were raised that the current outbreak had plateaued with no new cases since the figure of 27 positive results and more than 50 self-isolating announced on Wednesday morning. Of those cases, 13 had received two vaccinations - the second at least two weeks prior to their test - eight had been partially vaccinated and six were unvaccinated.
"The Island, although 'locked down' twice as part of the Bailiwick over the last 15 months, has been protected by the decisions of the CCA and has been fortunate that up until now had only one case of Covid on the Island," he said.
However, in the light of the current cluster, the Community was understandably angry with many frightened by the rapid increase in Covid cases, and the livelihoods of some younger working members threatened along with the profitability of some businesses.
"Public Health, the Island Medical Centre and our Welcome teams have carried out more than 800 tests over the last few days and it is probable that infections have plateaued, but that as yet is to be fully determined," he added.
He emphasised that in making its decision to open the borders, the CCA followed advice by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Group (STAG) which consists of Public Health and other medical staff from across the Bailiwick.
"It considered the high level of double vaccinations of over 50s who without that protection would be considered to have a higher likelihood of hospitalisation and pose a threat to the ability of the Bailiwick's medical and hospital capability," he said.
"We are a small part of the Bailiwick. It is very important to us and I am proud to represent the Island and be on the CCA. I am impressed by the extensive support that my Guernsey colleagues provide for Sark and ourselves. We cannot survive without being a part of the Bailiwick."
Support is available for those in isolation if circumstances merit through being unable to work. Those finding themselves in difficulty should call 01481 743803 or email business.support@gov.gg.
Anyone feeling unwell should stay at home and contact the Clinical Helpline on 01481 756938 or 01481 756969.
People are asked not to visit the IMC for a reassurance test. For non-symptomatic and cohort testing contact the Alderney Welcome Centre on 01481 520266 between 8am and 5.30pm, 7 days a week, so that a test can be booked.
The States of Alderney, Civil Contingencies Authority and Public Health Services will continue to provide updates over the coming days, including a media briefing tomorrow (Friday) which can be followed on the States of Guernsey website (covid19.gov.gg) or its Facebook page.