Alderney prepares for the 'new normal'

Tuesday 25 August 2020

Despite facing challenges in preparing for more lenient travel restrictions, Alderney is ready to ease its way out of lockdown, according to senior figures on the island.

It'll be joining Guernsey’s ‘A, B and C’ approach to jurisdictions from 3 September, with shorter isolation periods for those travelling from countries in Group B.

“We have been working closely with Dr Brink’s team and we are confident that we can achieve everything required to make this work properly and safely for the island,” said Clinical Director of the Island Medical Centre, Dr Sally Simmons. “We are identifying and training staff and volunteers for swab testing. All will have to use the correct PPE, and we will work with the Border Agency to liaise over contact details and maintain welfare checks.”

Tests will need to be sent to Guernsey for analysis, with results expected to return to Alderney within 24-48 hours, depending on weather conditions.

Pictured: Alderney States' President William Tate said the island "cannot remain in a state of suspended animation forever".

Alderney’s representatives feel it is important to to move forward, both for economic and mental health reasons.

“We have lived through and extraordinary period,” said States Member James Dent. “The information we have before us, which is helping us make decisions, is constantly growing and changing. We thought, initially, we could kill the virus.

“Now we are not so sure. More and more scientists are saying it is not going away. And vaccinations, if they come, may not be 100% effective. And so we are going to have to live with it.”

While the virus "will not stay away forever", Mr Dent said Alderney has proven it is "disciplined", "community-spirited" and will be able to cope with the new regime.

The newsletter also offers advice for islanders to help them cope, and maintain Alderney's success. Dr Simmons shared health guidance to reduce the risk of catching and spreading corona virus, and businesses are asked to remain vigilant as their footfall increases in the coming months.

Chair of St Anne's School's PTA, Beth Chapman, reminded readers that the island mustn't be "complacent" following its success so far, but added that "if the worst were to happen, I can see Alderney once again keeping together with the support and help that always follows".