Covid Isolation Period Cut Again

The mandatory period of isolation for fully vaccinated people who have coronavirus in Jersey has been reduced to five full days.

They can leave quarantine as long as they're symptom-free and post two negative lateral flow tests in a row, taken 24 hours apart, from day five onwards.

People who are not fully vaccinated can leave isolation after following the same lateral flow testing regime from day seven.

All children aged 11 and under who are isolated with coronavirus can follow the same rules as the fully vaccinated.

Three doses of a Covid-19 vaccine are required to be classed as fully vaccinated.

The results of the lateral flow tests have to be submitted on the gov.je testing portal.

Director of Public Health, Dr. Peter Bradley, says it's all based on the science and how the virus transmits.

"We have looked at the scientific deliberations in places like the UK and our assessment is that the risk of passing this virus onto other people reduces considerably after you've had those two negative tests.

There is a requirement for a longer period if you're unvaccinated and that is because we know that the virus is more likely to be more transmitted if you've not had your vaccination."

It aligns Jersey with England, which cut the isolation period to five full days earlier this week.

Dr. Ivan Muscat, the Deputy Medical Officer of Health, says allowing islanders to test themselves earlier in their isolation benefits their health and wellbeing and the whole community.

"Current evidence shows that viral infection reduces quicker in those who are fully vaccinated, and the risk of spreading the virus to others is highest at the start of infection or just after the onset of infection. Therefore, it is appropriate that fully vaccinated Islanders are able to start testing themselves from day 5 whereas those who are not fully vaccinated may start testing themselves from day 7.

As always, I strongly encourage all Islanders to ensure they are up to date with their vaccination schedule by getting their booster doses or second doses. If you have not yet had your first vaccination, it is not too late, your vaccine is waiting for you. Walk-ins are available until the end of this month, so you can get your first, second or booster dose at the Vaccination Centre without a booked appointment."

The number of active Covid-19 cases continues to fall - there are now 2,273 known infections.