Isolation Rules Relaxed For Islanders Awaiting Second Dose?

Saturday, 3 July 2021 06:30

Islanders who are yet to be offered a second vaccine dose could be treated as 'double-jabbed' when it comes to how long they need to isolate for.

Many 18-to-35-year-olds are currently ineligible to be fully inoculated because Jersey's vaccination programme prioritises getting as many people to receive their first dose as possible.

It means they currently face 10 days of self-isolation if they travel to England, Scotland, or any other red travel areas - while under 18s and adults who have received their second jab only need to quarantine for a few hours, until they receive a first negative test result.

Jersey's Deputy Chief Minister, Senator Lyndon Farnham, tells Channel 103 the current process isn't fair on young people who are still waiting to be offered their second dose.

He says they shouldn't face tougher restrictions 'through no fault of their own':

"We have asked STAC to consider this question and come back to us early next week so we can make a decision on what we might do as soon as possible.

"I would very much like to see us align this change with the Stage 7 reconnection, currently planned for the 15th July, or shortly afterwards, providing we can get assurances from STAC it's safe to do so."

Senator Lyndon Farnham at a government 'Ask The Ministers' event this week

He added that several people who are awaiting to receive their second vaccine dose, but need to travel soon, have been contacting him:

"I think many of us have been feeling uncomfortable that we've not been able to treat that age group fairly. I've had a number of very well-articulated representations from young people who feel they've been excluded through no fault of their own.

"It's important we make sure that young people can engage fully in our society, and this is especially important for our student population who will need to travel to and from the UK for educational reasons."

Ministers have asked the government's medical advisors - STAC - to consider the change and report back early next week.

If supported by STAC, the change could be brought in at the same time the rest of Jersey's COVID restrictions are relaxed - currently planned for Thursday 15th July.

More from Jersey News

Jury finds Shay John Bester guilty of offences including rape

Shay John Bester has been found guilty, after going on trial for offences including six counts of rape against three young, vulnerable females.
African community groups express 'disappointment' with Deputy Ozouf sentencing

Friends of Africa Jersey and the Kenyans in Jersey Committee have come together to express their disappointment following Deputy Philip Ozouf's sentencing, and are calling for increased protection for workers who speak out about exploitation.
Island Energy to return to Royal Court over Mont Pinel gas explosion

Island Energy is set to return to the Royal Court to enter pleas after being charged by the Health and Safety Inspectorate over a gas explosion at Mont Pinel.
Jersey to introduce legal limit for PFAS in drinking water

A legal limit for PFAS in Jersey's drinking water will be introduced for the first time.
Jersey Electricity drops St Martin solar farm idea

Jersey Electricity has dropped plans for a solar farm on land in St Martin belonging to the King.
PPC won't move to block Deputy's return to States Assembly

The committee that oversees States Members' conduct says it won't being a proposition to further suspend Deputy Philip Ozouf following his conviction for immigration offences.
Jersey's next government urged to create laws preventing exploitation of workers

Charities in Jersey are urging politicians to prioritise drawing up laws to abolish modern-day slavery.
Philip Ozouf sentenced to 120 hours community service

Deputy Philip Ozouf has been sentenced to 120 hours community service and ordered to pay £5,000 for immigration offences.