Case numbers start to plummet

Saturday 13 February 2021

The effect of lockdown measures is becoming increasingly apparent after a day that saw just seven people test positive for Covid-19 and 52 recover from the virus.

In the latest stats there are 242 known active cases, following a day that saw a net decrease of 45 - amounting to roughly one in six active cases.

Case numbers accelerated in the week after lockdown measures were introduced, as cases were linked to 12 educational settings, the Ship & Crown Pub, the Dance Festival and three supermarkets. 

The spread of the virus indicated that the more transmissible Kent variant was present in the island and that was confirmed earlier this week, when Public Health received the results of UK lab tests. 

Active case numbers peaked at 366 at the end of play on Monday and have fallen by more than 100 since.

Pictured: There are currently seven people in hospital after another patient receiving clinical care was discharged. 

Cases from unknown community sources have continued to decrease, with only one of Friday's positive tests not immediately linked to a contact. 

Some lockdown measures were eased on Thursday and further levers could be pulled next week if this downward trend continues. Masks have today become mandatory for people over the age of 12 in indoor public places, unless exempt for health reasons. 

Sark - which has had no positive cases - will be the first island of the Bailiwick to move to Stage One of the lockdown exit strategy on Monday, allowing the island to re-open its school and parts of its economy, although borders will remain effectively closed.