Risk assessment for face coverings (FOI)

​Request

I would like to request a copy of the risk assessment for face masks and face coverings conducted by the States of Jersey and / or Public Health Jersey in light of the new mandates or future mandates on face coverings on the Island.

Response

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the Government of Jersey policies have been guided by evidence from international research and the recommendations of local and international experts. Rather than a formal risk assessment taking place the decision to recommend mouth and nose coverings followed the changes in international guidelines, the growing international evidence base, and changes in local context and emerging winter threat. At different stages of policy development meetings have also taken place with key stakeholders and correspondence from Islanders has also been considered while policy has progressed.

A review of evidence and international guidelines has been conducted. Versions of this review have been shared with Ministers as well as key stakeholders over the last six months as the situation has evolved.

Attached is a copy of the current evidence review which includes a table of combined sources comparing benefits to harms/disadvantages.

Evidence Review - Mouth and Nose Coverings