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The President of the States of Alderney has made a plea to people in the island to take regular lateral flow tests.
The Island Medical Centre reported nearly 20 positive lateral flow tests “at the last count”.
William Tate says the island needs to adopt the mantra “before you go, lateral flow”.
As in Guernsey, following advice from the Medical Officer of Health, Dr Nicola Brink, the States of Alderney is now focusing primarily on lateral flow tests to detect and control the spread of covid-19 in the community.
“The Government is trusting us to play our part in controlling the virus,” said Mr Tate.
“In this way, we protect ourselves and members of the community.”
Pictured: “We know omicron spreads more quickly than the delta virus and with our limited resources we have to think carefully what would happen if our doctors, hospital staff or carers were infected,” said William Tate, President of the States of Alderney.
People in Alderney are being asked to take a lateral flow test frequently for surveillance purposes and in particular when they have symptoms of covid-19 and prior to attending an event or going to the pub.
Anyone testing positive should call the clinical helpline on 01481 220001 or 01481 220002.
“As well as protecting the vulnerable and medical professionals, we must also consider other essential services, such as the airport, the harbour and those that look after our essential infrastructure such as water and electricity," said Mr Tate.
"If they are self-isolating, they are not able to perform their normal function.
“Alderney has always risen to the challenges we face and now we are being asked to think carefully about the next few days.
"The more people mix, the more cases there may be.”
People in Alderney can collect free lateral flow test kits from the Welcome Centre at the harbour. It is open between 09:00 and 10:30 and between 13:30 and 14:30 on weekdays. Kits are also available from the Charity Shop in Victoria Street.
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