Seven tested for coronavirus

Tuesday 11 February 2020

Seven people in Guernsey have been tested for the novel coronavirus - four of which have already come back with negative results while the other three are still waiting for their results.

It takes about 48 hours for the island to get the results back, as they have to be sent to a specialist laboratory.

The island's Public Health team is urging people not to speculate or worry, as most people tested in the UK receive negative results. It has emphasised that they could be suffering from the flu or another ailment.

"Robust procedures are in place to test for, and contain, a suspected case of the coronavirus," said Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink. "So far, islanders have listened to the advice that we have issued regarding travel from affected areas and have acted responsibly in contacting Public Health Services for advice.

Pictured: Dr Nicola Brink.

"Guernsey needs to maintain its ability to provide essential public services. An outbreak of any viral illness can impact on the staff and resources needed to deliver these services.

"We are working to pick up any potential cases as quickly as we can and if they present with suspected symptoms they can be tested as swiftly as possible. This is the same as in the UK and Europe, so we are mirroring best practice.

"We are aware that it can look concerning or frightening when we are testing individuals as staff have to wear full Personal Protective Equipment."

So far, four people have also been tested in Jersey. Two of the results came back negative while the others are still waiting for theirs.

People who believe they may have the virus are asked not to attend the doctors' surgery or hospital without calling ahead first.

More information on the virus is available here.