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From Thursday morning, anyone travelling to the Bailiwick of Guernsey from anywhere in the world - including Jersey and the UK - will have to self-isolate for 14 days when they get here, even if they don't have any symptoms linked with covid-19.
Only essential travel is going to be allowed on and off island, with just a few people exempt from that rule for the 'critical roles' they play in island life.
The announcement was made on Tuesday afternoon as the States of Guernsey look to try and contain the spread of corona virus, which has so far seen just one patient confirmed to have the illness in the islands. Many more people are waiting for test results to come back though.
Pictured: The latest corona virus statistics from the States of Guernsey website (14:30 Tuesday 16 March).
The latest directive means that travel restrictions will come in from 00.01 Thursday 19 March, forcing anyone travelling into the Bailiwick of Guernsey to self-isolate for 14 days regardless of any symptoms or port of origin.
This includes people travelling to the Bailiwick from Jersey, but does not include anyone travelling within the Bailiwick between Guernsey, Alderney, Sark or Herm.
Pictured: Anyone travelling to the Bailiwick of Guernsey from Jersey will have to self isolate for 14-days regardless of if they have any covid-19 symptoms.
The new travel restrictions will include anyone travelling to the Bailiwick by privately owned or chartered planes and vessels, as well as by commercial flights and ferries.
Anyone in self-isolation having entered the Bailiwick who develops symptoms, however mild, of a cough, fever or shortness of breath must ring the corona virus helpline on 01481 756938 and 01481 756969.
Pictured: Alderney's Braye Harbour. Anyone travelling within the Bailiwick, between Guernsey, Alderney, Sark and Herm won't have to self isolate at the moment.
This is the second time in two days that travel restrictions to the Bailiwick have been tightened in light of the growing threat of corona virus worldwide.
Deputy Gavin St Pier, President of the Policy & Resources Committee and Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority said on Monday "we will not be afraid to take whatever steps we need to, to help protect the health and welfare of Islanders and our Island infrastructure" and that has led to the latest decision to restrict our borders.
"These new measures today, along with the advice that all non-essential travel should cease, will help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our community," said Deputy St Pier. "Everyone has a personal responsibility to take these new measures seriously and self-isolate if required. We will take further steps as and when needed."
Deputy St Pier has been open on Twitter about how the travel restrictions are affecting his own family, with a visit to his mother cancelled and his children having to return home from university.
We have 2 off island students in family who will now be returning to the island tomorrow - 1 happier about that than the other, especially when we explained the social distancing policy in Guernsey. Everyone is having to adapt their expectations, routines, behaviours and norms. https://t.co/vMZL885Spf
— Gavin St Pier (@gavinstpier) March 16, 2020
Deputy Heidi Soulsby, President of the Committee for Health & Social Care said the constantly changing advice is all about doing what is best for the Bailiwick and the islands' residents.
"The decision to insist on self-isolation for anyone entering the Bailiwick for 14 days is a significant change and one which has the potential to impact a number of islanders.
"All evidence shows us that if we can contain the virus and prevent community seeding we can lessen the burden on our health and care services.
"Self-isolation is difficult but the guidance must be adhered to. As well as not going to work, school/childcare, anyone in self-isolation must stay at home and not think that it is alright to just pop out to the shops, have friends round, or go for a walk.
"The Bailiwick community has been great so far in responding to this challenging situation. Please look out for your friends, family or neighbours who are in self- isolation and may need some practical help to get them through the 14 days."
Pictured: Deputy Heidi Soulsby and Deputy Gavin St Pier are on the team leading the Bailiwick's response to covid-19.
The travel advice for all Bailiwick residents is now as follows:
For students who are still off island, they and their parents are again encouraged to consider them returning to the island "sooner rather than later", even with a period of self isolation now dictated by the travel restrictions.
If any student is symptomatic before their return to the Bailiwick they should contact their student health service or Public Health Services in Guernsey before travelling.
Pictured: You can call the corona virus helpline for advice at any time.
To ensure anyone entering the Bailiwick does self-isolate, the Civil Contingencies Authority is bringing in emergency regulations.
The new powers will allow the Medical Officer of Health (who currently acts also as the Director of Public Health), her deputy and others authorised by her to, "where necessary, enforce the testing, isolation and/or detention of those who travel to the Bailiwick. It will also allow the enforcement of testing, isolation and/or detention for anyone in the Bailiwick suspected of being infected".
Dr Nicola Brink intends to require all those travelling into the Bailiwick, who are not considered to have ‘critical’ roles to self-isolate for 14 days.
The powers also allow Bailiwick Law Enforcement officers to initially detain at the hospital (or another suitable location) someone that they suspect may have the corona virus and present a risk of spreading it to others, until the Medical Officer of Health can advise further.
Pictured: Dr Nicola Brink, Guernsey's Director of Public Health.
Deputy St Pier said not complying with the restrictions or requirements imposed under these new powers will be an offence.
"Many islanders have readily followed the guidance provided by Public Health and self-isolated where appropriate, in line with the official advice. But there are exceptions and if we really want to slow the spread of coronavirus, we must introduce these powers.
"We will be ready to use these powers to enforce self- isolation if required. This will help ensure everyone entering the Bailiwick self- isolates, and that we identify anyone who may have the virus already. I hope islanders will welcome these measures as firm steps to protect their health and especially the health of the most vulnerable in our community."
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