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Self isolation requirements for some travellers coming to Guernsey will be relaxed later this month, with the return of a seven-day isolation period for people from certain countries.
From Monday 17 August, Group A, B and C countries will be reintroduced, with different rules for people returning from each group - much like the restrictions that were in place before lockdown.
Anyone coming to Guernsey from a Group A country must self-isolate for 14 days, while those travelling from a Group B country can choose to either complete the full isolation or isolate for just seven days and then take a covid-19 test. As long as the test is negative, they will be allowed out but will still have a requirement to:
Report any potential covid-19 symptoms, return to self-isolation and arrange for another test
Not visit a hospital unless for emergency care
Discuss with other healthcare services before attending any appointments
Contact care and residential homes before visiting
Pictured: Travellers from Group B countries can be tested on the seventh day of their isolation.
Anyone travelling from a Group C country - those which have agreed 'air bridges' with the Bailiwick - will not need to self-isolate or be tested.
It's thought parts of the UK will be classed as Group A, although this is yet to be determined.
The countries included in each group are subject to change at short notice, and the full list will be kept up to date HERE.
"This decision by the CCA has been made after consideration of advice from the Director of Public Health and an analysis of the data from the trial of the 'testing on day seven' programme, which was carried out in July," explained Chair of the Civil Contingencies Authority, Deputy Gavin St Pier.
"We know that people need to travel to see their loved ones and to take children to university etc. Reducing the self-isolation requirement to seven days (on receipt of a negative result) with passive follow up will hopefully make these trips more manageable for islanders. However, we still cannot be complacent as we can see from the situation regarding covid-19 for our near neighbours and beyond."
Alderney has decided not to take part in the next stage of the exit from lockdown, meaning anyone heading to Alderney from outside the Bailiwick will need to self-isolate for 14 days. However, it has been suggested that the island will review its decision next month.
Pictured: Alderney has chosen not to enter Phase 5b yet.
Sark will be taking part in the phase - known as Phase 5b - and details of the requirements for travel to the island will be released soon.
"No decisions to reduce the requirement for self-isolation are without risk, but the introduction of Group A, B and C countries will mitigate these risks," Deputy St Pier added.
Meanwhile, work to develop Phase 5c is ongoing, with an aim of eventually allowing travellers to enter the Bailiwick with limited or no self-isolation. But no timeline or target date has been set for this yet.
The final phase of the exit from lockdown will be Phase 6, which will see a complete return to unrestricted travel.
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