More Lenient Isolation Rules For Returning Lions 'Unacceptable'

The decision to treat the British and Irish Lions squad differently from other people when coming to Jersey from red list countries has been called 'unacceptable' and 'really disappointing'.

The Lions are coming to Jersey today from South Africa.

The rules state that all direct arrivals from red countries have to isolate for ten days.

But the fully vaccinated Lions only have to isolate until getting a negative border test.

Those not double-jabbed have to quarantine for five days.

They're all being tested daily until 18 August.

St John Constable Andy Jehan says, in his view, the post-tour visit is unnecessary.

"There have been exemptions made and they should be judged on a case-by-case merit. 

"I think when we're asking the community to continue taking precautions, then we should be more careful.

"They should have been asking the UK government for exemptions, rather than the Jersey government, in my opinion.

I totally agree with @MackenzieJersey It is wrong that Islanders are treated differently. Aware of Islanders leaving having to isolate for ten days when leaving hospital. It’s the @GOVUK who should be making exceptions not @GovJersey https://t.co/ykgdVRDsfo

— Andy Jehan 🇯🇪 (@AndyJehan) August 9, 2021

"I understand the Olympians have got exemptions from the UK government, so I don't understand why the Lions professional athletes haven't been able to do the same from the UK.

"Obviously, the UK government have got concerns about them coming from South Africa, there is a different variant that we're aware of South Africa so we should be very concerned.

"The pre-tour camp was different in my opinion, the post-tour camp is unnecessary in my view."

The latest STAC minutes have revealed that scientific advisors felt uneasy about relaxing the rules.

In a meeting on 28 June, concerns were raised by medics that Jersey could be seen as a back door to the UK and that relaxing the rules could set a dangerous travel precedent.

They were debating a proposal to allow entry as 'green arrivals'.

"Dr. I. Muscat, MBE stated that his “very strong recollection” was that the Cell had always maintained significant concerns across the board when there was the potential for the South African variant of COVID-19 to enter the Island. The extant travel policy should not be undermined. Whilst noting the proposal’s intentions to assist the BIL, Dr. Muscat remained concerned that the Cell would be setting a dangerous travel precedent if it acceded to the terms of the proposal, although it remained possible for Ministers to draw separate conclusions should they so wish."

Constable Jehan has been regularly calling for STAC minutes to be published on a more timely and frequent basis.

He says if the government wants to be consistent and follow the medical advice, that's what should happen.

"I'm aware of islanders who have left hospital and have had to isolate for ten days on-island, having had almost 20 tests during their stay in hospital.

"It's not consistent, it's not a good message to send out to islanders who have done a great job in following the advice we've been given throughout this pandemic."

Meanwhile Environment Minister John Young has described the exception as foolish, and worthy of a vote of no confidence in the government.

Channel 103 has contacted the Government of Jersey for a response.