"We're not in the home stretch yet"

Saturday 14 November 2020

News of a vaccine with an apparent 90% 'effective rate' has been met with excitement across the globe this week - but Deputy Chief Minister Heidi Soulsby has urged caution, stating that a 'return to normal' could still be a long way off.

The former HSC President said the vaccine could be a "game changer" but there is still a long way to go before we can be certain that it is safe, let alone be sure of its availability.

"We still don't know what is meant by 'effective'. The trial is not yet complete and the research has not yet been peer-reviewed," she said.

"Most importantly, the vaccine needs to be approved by regulatory authorities before it can be manufactured in large numbers, distributed and administered."

For Guernsey, this means that the vaccine will need to be approved by the UK body MHRA. Earlier this week they said that they "will not compromise safety standards to rush the vaccine out."

Pictured: the priority groups for vaccination are based on the current available evidence of the risk factors associated with the corona virus, and information about the available vaccine. It is subject to change.

It is also expected that, if the vaccine is made available before the end of the year - which the UK is preparing for - there will only be limited quantities available at first. As such, a preliminary prioritisation scheme has been established to determine who will be first in line once a safe vaccine becomes available.

In the interim, Public Health is continuing to ask islanders to look after themselves and the people around them as we approach flu season. Director of Public Health Nicola Brink outlined the new 'Know, Prepare, Protect' programme to encourage the public to be mindful of the more vulnerable groups that exist within our community.

If you're vulnerable, or know someone who is, please take extra care this winter.
As the situation has improved here, those who are shielding are back to normal but, as we approach winter more advice is now available to Know, Prepare and Protect.
More at: https://t.co/jzODEtvR2c pic.twitter.com/LOSj9M3SOh

— States of Guernsey (@Govgg) November 13, 2020

The official guidance on masks has also been updated to make it easier to understand how recommendations change based on the prevalence of the virus within the Bailiwick community. There is no change to the current recommendations on the use of face masks.

Deputy Soulsby said that, while the news of a vaccine is promising given the Bailiwick's already strong position, it would likely be a while yet before things could return to normal.

"We're probably reaching the final bend, but we're not at the home stretch just yet," she said. "We need to keep working together to stay well until we get to the other end."

Pictured: The "Swiss Cheese Defence" shows that a combination of protections against illnesses is significantly more effective than relying on one or two.

Pictured top: Policy & Resources Vice-President Heidi Soulsby.