We're down to zero!

Wednesday 27 May 2020

There are now no active cases of covid-19 in the Bailiwick but it is not being considered 'eliminated' yet as more cases may be identified through the extended testing programme now underway.

Public Health announced the news this lunchtime, confirming the last patient to be testing positive for the corona virus has now been given the all clear.

They were one of 252 people to test postive for the potentially fatal virus during March and April. No one has tested postive for the virus in 27 days.

Sadly during the time the virus was prevalent in Guernsey 13 people who had tested positive for covid-19died, while three further deaths were also presumed to be linked to it.

Pictured: The statistics released by the States on Wednesday 27 May.

While there are currently no active cases of covid-19 in the Bailiwick, 24 people are waiting for test results and anyone with any symptoms however minor are encouraged to go for testing.

Dr Nicola Brink, the Director of Public Health, said while she is pleased with today's news, they're not being complacent.

"This is great news for the Bailiwick and is testament to how well the community have worked with us to manage the impact of the virus in the Bailiwick. However, we must not be complacent. An extended testing programme is now in place to search out cases of COVID-19 in those who may be asymptomatic.

"The initial focus has been to test health care workers but will expanded to cover other groups in the community. Islanders should be prepared for this expanded testing programme to identify positive cases. This is a good thing as it means we are identifying asymptomatic cases and contact tracing quickly to avoid the virus spreading more widely. If anyone has any symptoms, however mild, they must come forward to be tested.

"Please don’t think you don’t want to adversely influence our results. We know we will get more positives and that is a good thing. If we know about them we can track and trace and contain them to protect the rest of the community."

Pictured: (l-r) Paul Whitfield, Deputy Heidi Soulsby, Deputy Gavin St Pier, Dr Nicola Brink, Dr Peter Rabey.

Ahead of the Bailiwick reaching zero active cases today, it had already been confirmed that we would enter phase 4 of the lockdown exit strategy this Saturday.

That will see more businesses allowed to open, more social contact allowed between househoulds and early years facilities and private schools will reopen next week before States run schools reopen the week after.

Social distancing and increased hygiene must be maintained in all cases.

Further information on phase 4 of the lockdown exit strategy is available HERE.

Pictured top: Dr Nicola Brink.