Deputy asks CCA if they’re relaxing borders too soon

Thursday 29 April 2021

During question time in yesterday’s States' meeting, one deputy raised concerns that the island’s relaxation of border controls is coming too early.

Deputy David de Lisle referred to a third wave in Europe, a potential third wave in the UK, and various covid mutations, as to reasons why the 14 day isolation requirement should be retained for a little while longer.

“Why change [the 14 day] policy when the UK Prime Minister has stated publicly that he expects a third wave to hit the UK?” he asked.

This was one of two questions he posed to the Head of the Civil Contingencies Authority, Deputy Peter Ferbrache.

Pictured: Prior to the relaxation of the border restrictions, all arrivals were considered category 4 arrivals, and had to isolate for at least 13 days while waiting for two negative tests.

In his response, Deputy Ferbrache said great thought and consideration had been given to the risks and the relaxation of the borders. Categorisation of regions came back into effect last Friday.

“The CCA has considered detailed evidence from the Director of Public Health – any restrictions the authority places on the rights of freedoms of the individual must relate to the emergency, and be necessary urgent and important,” he said.

“The CCA is satisfied that the re-introduction of these categories is sufficiently flexible, responsible and proportionate.”

Deputy de Lisle continued by asking if Deputy Ferbrache believed the decision opens the island to the risk of a third lockdown.

“I don’t want to be flippant, because this is too important a topic to be flippant, but life is a risk,” said Deputy Ferbrache in his reply. 

Pictured: Deputy de Lisle referred to the situation in India when asking if Guernsey was relaxing its borders too quick.

“There can be no absolute guarantee, but what we believe, is that we must act proportionately. We believe in good faith that we are acting proportionately.”

In a final question, Deputy de Lisle asked if there would be more transparency on future business tunnel applications, following the fallout from the Gatland decision.

Deputy Ferbrache said the CCA has no intention to ever publish business tunnel applications, due their often-sensitive nature.

“The authority will not be providing details of individual applications for a business tunnel, as it is mindful that reasons for the application may be commercially sensitive and/or to conduct personal family business,” he said.