Positive case shows that self-isolation "is there for a reason"

Tuesday 08 September 2020

The person who tested positive for Covid-19 at their day 7 test had "very few contacts" and poses "an extremely low risk" to the community, according to the Director of Public Health.

Contact tracing is well-underway after an adult in Guernsey, whose gender has not been revealed, tested positive for the corona virus on Sunday.

Dr Nicola Brink said that person has "very few contacts", some of whom have been placed into seven-day self-isolation. 

"This is a travel associated case, which is quite different from a case of community seeding, which is when a case just comes up in the community," she said. "They adhered to all of the rules and regulations, they presented for their day 7 test and have cooperated since."

Pictured: The States' testing information has been updated to show the newly active case of Covid-19.

"From our perspective, the risk to the Bailiwick is extremely low. There was a rapid identification and then a rapid intervention, which is absolutely key to prevent onward transmission."

Dr Brink said the person, whose identity she has a "duty" to protect, was asymptomatic.

"It should remind people that the self-isolation period is there for a reason," Dr Brink said of the positive case. 

"It is always important to remind people of the importance of good hand hygiene, respecting other people’s personal space, respiratory etiquette and the 'catch it bin it kill it'." 

Tomorrow at 1pm we are livestreaming a COVID-19 media briefing via our Facebook page. You can also view the stream via https://t.co/1qumSPJfhq. Subtitles will be included.
This briefing will address potential updates to Group A and Group B countries.#GuernseyTogether pic.twitter.com/53angPgiUV

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) September 7, 2020

The positive case means that Guernsey is no longer covid-free, following 129 consecutive days without the virus present in the island. 

"I always said there would be another case of covid in the Bailiwick. We have been readying ourselves and preparing for when we saw our first case," said Dr Brink. 

"The key thing about this pandemic is preparedness. We identified in January that this had pandemic potential and by the time we had our first case on 9 March, we were ready and waiting."

The States of Guernsey is holding a press conference at 13:00 today, however, this is expected to mainly cover developments with Group A and B countries, following a warning that the UK could soon be moved onto the Group B watch list.