MINISTERS have agreed to reduce the isolation requirement for those who have tested positive for Covid-19, although only subject to several conditions.
Those who have been required to isolate will be able to leave isolation after seven days, rather than the existing ten, as long as:
-
They are under 12, or fully-vaccinated. To be considered full-vaccinated, adults must have had three doses of a vaccine at least two weeks previously, or two jabs (plus two weeks) for those aged 12 to 17.
-
They record two negative lateral flow tests via the online portal at Day 6 and Day 7, with at least 24 hours between each test.
-
They have been symptom-free for 48 hours.
-
Those who are health workers perform daily LFTs on days 8, 9 and 10.
A government spokesperson said the changes reflected evidence showing the risk of infecting others reduces quicker in those who are fully vaccinated, and that the greatest risk of infection occurs early on – just before, during, or just after the onset of symptoms.
Ministers have agreed on changes to the isolation period for Islanders following advice from Public Health in consultation with the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC).
▶️ Read more: https://t.co/Llz1TIlpPo pic.twitter.com/Df2LQKMaC0
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 30, 2021
Additionally, the spokesperson added, the move balanced the harms associated with the physical and mental health of isolating Islanders, supporting essential public services and the Island’s infrastructure – while still limiting the spread of the virus.
Jersey’s move came on the same day that Wales and Northern Ireland made similar announcements. The isolation periods in England and Guernsey were cut to seven days on 22 December but Scotland has retained the ten-day requirement so far.
The government has also confirmed that walk-in vaccination appointments will be available at Fort Regent from 31 December for at least two weeks. The vaccination centre will be closed on New Year’s Day but re-open from 8.30am on Sunday 2 January.
It was additionally confirmed that Islanders identified as direct contacts of someone who is positive will no longer be required to take a PCR test following 10 days of LFTs, with only the LFT requirement remaining.
