10 May 2021
Keeping Islanders safe and well this summer remains a key priority as we continue to reconnect locally, nationally and globally.
Having reviewed the risks for moving to national classification for travel, Ministers are confident that our Safer Travel Policy, alongside other on-Island measures, including our Vaccination Programme and Testing Programmes, are strong and robust.
Islanders can be reassured that in combination, these measures will help to prevent the risk of spread of COVID-19 in our community.
The success of the Vaccination Programme is testament to the shared values we hold of keeping each other safe and allowing our community to once again thrive during reconnection.
As of today, 43% of adults aged 18 and over are now fully vaccinated, including Islanders who are most vulnerable and most at risk.
We work closely with the UK which also has a very similar successful rate of vaccination, and on which we rely for our supply of vaccines. It is partially due to this shared success that we can move to national classifications, within the UK and Crown Dependencies, with allowances for those fully vaccinated.
We are on track to have completed our vaccination roll out by August, with vaccines being offered to everyone over 18.
Those aged between 35-39 are now able to book and I encourage everyone who is eligible for vaccination, and has not yet been vaccinated, to do so.
The weekly updates from the vaccination team always come as encouraging news, but the vaccination programme was never designed to be a stand-alone intervention.
With all types of virus, there must be a range of actions that work together to control infection and protect people. COVID-19 is no different.
Another vital area of work which protects the Island is our expanded Testing Programme which now covers arrivals, symptomatic people, direct contacts, vital services and frontline staff, as well as community testing within businesses, schools and care homes.
The Community Testing Programme for selected business sectors will protect employees, customers and visitors over the summer months and support businesses remaining open.
The roll out of Lateral Flow Testing to retail, hospitality, transport, early years, cosmetic, agriculture and other sectors, acts as an important measure to isolate any cases and break chains of transmission.
Thank you to those businesses who have already registered on the Community Testing programme which will launch next Monday, 17 May. Businesses can register now by visiting www.gov.je.
As we progress with the Reconnection Roadmap, supported by public health guidance for the steady easing of restrictions to gatherings and events, preventative measures are an important tool to also reduce the risk of spread.
We encourage all Islanders to follow good ventilation practices, such as opening windows, which can be used as a key tool to reduce risk within workplaces, homes, and all other indoor spaces where people meet.
Current mask guidance remains in place and social distancing of 2 metres where practicable but never less than 1 metre should still be observed.
By maintaining good practices and by taking advantage of the opportunities offered through vaccination and testing, alongside these new changes to the Safer Travel Policy, we can all look forward to an enjoyable summer, with safety being at the heart of all we do.
gov.je