Coronavirus case confirmed in Jersey

The first Jersey case of Coronavirus has been confirmed by Health and Community Services (HCS).

No details about the individual will be released by the department, to protect the confidentiality of the person and their family.

The person was tested at the end of last week, and their positive result was confirmed earlier today. The person is well and has been in self-isolation at home since returning from northern Italy. HCS is in daily telephone contact with the patient and will do further swabs after the patient has cleared symptoms to ensure they have also cleared the virus.

The case is unrelated to the self-isolation of JCG students earlier today.

Dr Ivan Muscat, Jersey’s Deputy Medical Officer of Health, said: “Officers from Environmental Health are in the process of contacting the necessary passengers asking them to self-isolate. It does not affect everybody on the flight. If the team do not contact you then there is no need to worry and you do not need to contact the Department or the helpline. We have all the contact details of the people we need to speak to.

“We want to reassure Islanders that the person who has tested positive for coronavirus in Jersey is receiving all the care and medical attention necessary. We are working with the individual concerned to trace any relevant close contacts and therefore ensure that they are managed appropriately. 

“We recognise that with the presentation of the first case in Jersey that there may be some concern. However, it is essential that we are open with Islanders about this news, and to ensure that we give the best possible treatment and care to our patient whilst protecting their confidentiality.

“The best thing people can do to help stop the spread of Coronavirus is to be scrupulous about hand, surface and respiratory hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. Use tissues to cough or sneeze into and throw them away as soon as you have used them. Keep the surfaces you work on and touch as clean as you can. Those messages will not change.”

In more than 80 percent of cases, infection with the virus is mild. Unlike flu, current indications are that individuals who are showing no symptoms are unlikely to be contagious. 

Dr Muscat added: “We have highly-skilled teams of professionals who train for events like this. I am very impressed by the calm approach and manner everyone has displayed. Jersey can be proud of the many people who are involved in managing the current situation in which we find ourselves.”

Islanders are reminded that if they have any queries or concerns about Coronavirus, or are concerned they may have symptoms of it, to call the helpline on 01534 445566 which is open from 8 am to 8 pm seven days a week.

If you have been to an affected area and have returned to Jersey and think you have symptoms, you are reminded not to come to the Emergency Department or go to your GP unannounced. Individuals who come from the most affected countries (mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy) are asked to self-isolate for 14 days even if they do not have symptoms.

If you have returned from any affected area and feel very unwell you should call an ambulance and let them know your travel history when you call so you can be assessed.

Up to date information is available on the dedicated section on the Government website: www.gov.je/coronavirus