CCA Chairman out of self-isolation and says: "lockdown rumours are completely unfounded"

Saturday 27 November 2021

Deputy Peter Ferbrache emerged from 10 days in self-isolation on Friday and said "rumours that a lockdown of some form will commence on 6 December...are completely unfounded".

The Chairman of the Civil Contingencies Authority tested positive for covid-19 nearly two weeks ago after returning from the National Remembrance Service at the Cenotaph in London, where he was representing the Bailiwick.

“I have been told that there are again rumours that a lockdown of some form will commence on 6 December. Please, I’d ask all members of the community to ignore such rumours, which are completely unfounded,” said Deputy Ferbrache.

But he added: “Of course, the CCA can never rule out any possibility in these times. Just today we’ve seen the international reaction to the new variant identified in Africa, adding six countries to our red list."

Travel into the Bailiwick from 'red list' countries requires particularly stringent control measures. Guernsey is following the UK and placing South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia on the red list. 

People in Guernsey who have arrived from one of these countries in the past 14 days are being contact traced, asked to take a PCR test and self-isolate immediately.

The new variant has a number of biologically significant mutations and there are fears it could prove more challenging to the vaccines which are currently in use and may require new or adjusted vaccines.

People are being reminded of the following requirements if travelling from red list countries.

Deputy Ferbrache said that the CCA must be ready to act quickly if conditions change locally or internationally and that it acknowledges the importance of good communication.

“This pandemic throws up new challenges and we must be ready to take any necessary action. But we would always communicate any such possibilities with islanders quickly and honestly, as we have in the past,” said Deputy Ferbrache.

“The CCA has not discussed any form of lockdown or circuit-breaker. In the very unlikely event that that should change, we will let you know immediately.”

Pictured: Deputy Peter Ferbrache said: “Please wear a face covering, use the lateral flow tests, and respect people’s space. And please, in the same way that we all try not to spread the virus, let’s try not to spread unfounded rumours either."

Testing results released by the States on Friday afternoon revealed that there are now 747 active known cases of covid-19 in the Bailiwick and 293 people awaiting test results.  

Important that we respond quickly but as a precaution to a changing situation. Our capacity to sequence viruses locally will help detect any variants quickly. Thank you to the States Analytical lab and @Gsy_Bell for stepping up to make this available locally. #GuernseyTogether https://t.co/jLVFjgci4y

— Nicola Brink MBE (@DrNicolaBrink) November 26, 2021

Pictured: The Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, said that Guernsey is able quickly to identify any new variants of covid-19 which may emerge in the island.

Speaking of his own experience of covid-19, Deputy Ferbrache said: "For just over a week now I have been suffering from covid. In my instance, it has been a far from pleasant experience. There are many others now also suffering the effects of this virus and my thoughts are with all of them.

"[Friday] is the first day I am free from self-isolation and I have not during the time I have been ill paid much attention to politics. I have simply not been well enough. That said, I have read various papers and attended virtually a CCA meeting amongst other things."