Dozens of ski trip-goers tested for coronavirus

Wednesday 26 February 2020

The number of people in Guernsey being tested for the coronavirus has more than tripled over the past 24 hours, with dozens of students and staff members from the Grammar School awaiting results.

29 people associated with the school's ski trip to Italy have already been tested, after being sent home yesterday to self-isolate.

According to the States of Guernsey website, that takes the current total of tested residents up to 44 - 32 of which are yet to have their results confirmed. As the samples need to be sent off-island to be tested, this usually takes about two days.

All of the 12 results received so far have been negative.

Pictured: Students and teachers on the Grammar School ski trip have been asked to self-isolate.

Express understands at least two local offices have asked parents of those on the Grammar School ski trip to work from home until the situation becomes clearer. However, Public Health Services have said families of the students and teachers need not isolate themselves.

They say there is no need for the Grammar School to change its usual cleaning routine at the moment, and that lessons are continuing as normal.

The team is encouraging anyone who came into contact with the ski trip children and staff, including those on the same returning Condor boat last week, not to worry at this stage.

"Guernsey has responded in a calm and proportionate way to the situation regarding the Grammar School ski trip based on the island's specific circumstances," a spokesperson for the services said. "Public Health sought and followed the advice of Public Health England."

Many individuals have attempted to take precautions and Boots has seen a significant increase in sales of hand sanitisers, which students have been advised to use regularly. The pharmacy has also seen a "high demand" for surgical face masks, which are currently out of stock in its stores and online. But, the States of Guernsey are advising people to take other precautionary measures, which may be more effective than wearing a mask.

Public Health Services are advising people to :

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and have travelled to an area affected by the coronavirus
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
• Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based sanitiser
• Follow good hygiene practices  

Express is aware of two Guernsey residents who are currently visiting Tenerife, but has been told they are not among the British holidaymakers on lockdown in a hotel with coronavirus fears.

The affected Tenerife hotel - the H10 Costa Adeje Palace - has recently been added to States of Guernsey's 'Group A' areas, meaning anyone returning from the resort should isolate themselves for 14 days regardless of whether they have symptoms of the virus.

Local ports and harbour staff have been given guidance on how to manage suspected cases, as well as Personal Protective Equipment training.

Public Health Services have, today, issued new advice for travellers returning to the island, which can be found here.