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Anyone travelling to the Bailiwick from mainland China is asked to 'self isolate' themselves for 14 days to try and prevent the spread of coronavirus.
So far there has been no indication that anyone in the islands has been exposed to the virus, but three cases have now been confirmed in the UK with many hundreds of cases elsewhere.
The only fatalities from the virus so far have been in China, but health authorities across the world are anticipating more.
Guernsey's Public Health Services has been monitoring the situation globally, and yesterday released further information for anyone returning to the islands, or travelling here, from Mainland China in the last 14 days.
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health said the island needs to ensure it is prepared, while also protecting its essential heath workers in anticipation of a breakout here.
Pictured: Dr Nicola Brink.
"Guernsey needs to maintain its ability to provide essential public services," said Dr Brink. "An outbreak of any viral illness can impact on the staff and resources needed to deliver these services.
"To do this we need the public to work with us and we are asking that any individual, who returns to Guernsey from visiting Mainland China within the last 14 days self- isolate at home to reduce the risk of the infection being introduced to the island’s community."
Self-isolation is described as "the act of separating yourself from physical contact with the rest of the community for a specified period of time".
In this case Public Health Services want any affecting individuals to stay indoors and avoid physical contact with others.
"These precautions should be taken for 14 consecutive days from the time of departure from Mainland China," said Public Health Services.
Dr Brink added:
"Self-isolation for 14 days is extremely difficult for the individuals/families concerned. We need to work together as a community to support people in these circumstances as they are acting responsibly to protect the Island.
"I would urge all Islanders to act compassionately and encourage them to offer support to friends and family by keeping in contact by phone or text, as visiting is not advised. Islanders can also offer help to friends and family in self-isolation by delivering groceries and other essentials and leaving them by the door. Work and other papers can be delivered too as there is no evidence of the virus being shared on paper or cardboard."
Current Public Health England guidance about self-isolation states that you should:
Full details of help and support the States of Guernsey can provide during a period of self- isolation can be found at gov.gg/coronavirus
Public Health Services would also like to remind Islanders that they should always take simple daily precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness. These include:
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