Masks and social distancing now recommended in Alderney

Friday 16 July 2021

Social distancing and face coverings are being recommended by Public Health officials in Alderney following the detection of three positive cases of Covid-19 linked to community seeding.

All visits to the Mignot Memorial Hospital and Alderney care homes have also ceased with immediate effect, with end of life visits only considered on a "case-by-case" basis.

Explaining the introduction of public health interventions, Dr Nicola Brink said: "We have always said that we would see clusters or outbreaks of cases as we learn to live with Covid-19. We have also said that intermittent use of NPIs might be required from time to time.

"Alderney residents, and those travelling to Alderney, are advised to adopt NPIs whilst we work with Alderney colleagues to carry out testing and contact tracing."

This means that people in Alderney should: 

• Stay at home if they feel unwell and seek testing;

• Wear a face covering, particularly indoors in public areas;

• Wash their hands regularly; 

• Stay socially distanced where possible; 

St Anne's School was closed for its final day of the term after teachers were identified last night among direct contacts of positive cases. 

Since then, routine visits to the Mignot Memorial Hospital have been temporarily suspended. End of life visits "will be looked at on a compassionate case by case basis. Such visits will only be allowed if they can be managed safely."

However, in general, Public Health says that "even this visiting will be discouraged."

Visits to the Connaught Care Home are also temporarily suspended. End of life visits will be individually assessed. Community care services and meals on wheels will continue to be provided but staff will have the appropriate PPE. 

"This is a precautionary measure until we understand the full extent of COVID-19 cases in Alderney," said Dermot Mullin, Director of Hospital and Adult Community Care Services. 

"I understand that this decision means that family and friends are unable to see their loved ones at this time. These decisions will be reviewed in line with Public health guidance on a very regular basis and we ask for your patience as we do what we to protect you and your loved ones."