What's next?

Friday 22 May 2020

As Guernsey marks three weeks without anyone testing positive for covid-19, "important information of public interest" is promised at the next live-streamed media briefing this lunchtime, suggesting a further relaxation of lockdown measures are on the way.

Deputy Gavin St Pier tweeted that the announcements will be regarding "the ongoing management of this crisis" - for which he has personally won such praise that he's been invited to appear on a national radio news programme discussing the island's approach to the pandemic this evening.

He's due to be speaking on BBC Radio 4's 'Any Questions' hosted by Chris Mason, as a panel guest alongside UK MP and Transport Secretary JimMcMahon, Dr Mary Bousted; the joint General-Secretary of The National Education Union, and Conservative Peer Baroness Morgan.

Deputy St Pier is expected to outline how Guernsey has come so close to eliminating the corona virus within weeks of the first positive test result being confirmed locally.

Before that he is due to update residents about our progress through the lockdown exit strategy.

@gavinstpier can we hear more about travel and tourism this week please and when we can expect to implement testing on arrival and 4 days after to avoid 14 day self isolation please . https://t.co/w1vbIITPd4

— charlie coyle (@cfcoyle) May 21, 2020

As well as promising an update on travel measures in response to the above Tweet, Deputy St Pier is expected to reiterate the 'stay at home' message as we aim to fully eliminate the virus.

The latest known statistics, published on Thursday morning, show the island had marked 21 days without any new cases, and there were only two active cases remaining - neither of whom are being treated in hospital.

Deputy St Pier, Health President Deputy Heidi Soulsby and Director of Public Health Dr Nicola Brink, all continue to urge caution despite the positive figures though.

Well done #GuernseyTogether! Last positive case seeded on 21st April; no new cases for 20 consecutive days; down to 2 (known) active cases; no-one in hospital. Be under no illusions that this continuing progress is very good news for the rapid delivery of our exit from lock down. https://t.co/dOjeFbG33C

— Gavin St Pier #GuernseyTogether #StayAtHome (@gavinstpier) May 20, 2020

The increased number of patients waiting for test results is down to an increased effort by public health officials to test members of the community showing any symptoms however minor.

Deputy St Pier said the latest statistics were good news though.

"Another good day for Guernsey but we need to remember there is a considerable problem in the rest of the world; safely re-starting travel on and off the island is a challenge which we need to now plan with care," he tweeted.

The next media briefing is at 13:00 today and will be live streamed by the States of Guernsey.

Pictured: Deputy Gavin St Pier.