Alderney joining Guernsey in Phase 5b

Thursday 20 August 2020

Alderney will be reducing its self-isolation requirements for incoming travellers from outside the Bailiwick, bringing its restrictions in line with Guernsey from 3 September.

Plans are currently being finalised to overcome the logistical hurdles of the rule changes and increased testing. Medical professionals have advised the States of Alderney that they are ready for ‘large-scale, on-arrival testing' for the corona virus.

Alderney will be following the country groupings currently employed by Guernsey: those travelling from Group ‘A’ countries will still be met with a 14-day isolation period, but group ‘C’ countries, which have an agreed ‘air bridge’ with the Bailiwick, will not need to isolate or face any restrictions.

Group ‘B’ countries, however, will be able to choose between a 14-day isolation or a 7-day isolation period followed by a test and ‘passive follow-up’ on receipt of a negative test. 

Passive follow-up requires a person to return into self-isolation at once if they develop any corona-related symptoms until 14 days have passed since their arrival. They are also not allowed to visit a hospital, except for emergency care, or a care home without prior arrangement from the manager, within the same time frame.

France has been moved from the Group B watch list to Group A with immediate effect, therefore requiring 14 days mandatory self-isolation on return to the Bailiwick.
To view the full list of countries, go to: https://t.co/vxYqfe86q7 pic.twitter.com/lYYdtdoTo3

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) August 18, 2020

Pictured: The country groupings, decided by the States of Guernsey, are updated daily based on data from each country.

James Dent, Chairman of Alderney’s Policy and Finance Committee, hopes the change in requirements will prove helpful for the northern isle's economy. 

“The removal of these restrictions will be welcomed, particularly by the business community,” he said. “We also hope that more of our second homeowners will be prepared to travel and we thank them for their support during this difficult time.”

“The move will also be welcomed by Alderney residents who need to visit the UK and who previously had the prospect of a long period of self-isolation on their return.”

Guidance on travel restrictions for Guernsey and Alderney can be found at https://covid19.gov.gg/guidance/travel/countries.