Travel classification of Reigate and Banstead (FOI)

Request

I would like to understand the data and analysis carried out to declare the region of Reigate and Banstead 'red' as from 3 June 2021. Of the 19 regions, most fall into a cluster of more than a single region. Relate and Banstead stands alone.

In addition, I can find no data that would support any analysis concluding the region as high risk or red, for example more than 120 cases per 100,000 or 50 case per 100,000.

Response

Information is publicly available on the Government of Jersey’s method of risk assessing countries and regions for the purposes of assigning travel status. Article 23 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011 has therefore been applied. Please see the following link:

How we assess country and region risk classifications

The region of Banstead and Reigate was classified Red under the Emergency Brake criteria. The Emergency Brake process involves the reclassification of individual Lower Tier Local Authority Areas where there is an assessed escalated level of risk through high or rapidly increasing infection rates or variants of concern or both. The assessment is based on a combination of clinical and actuarial assessment.

Article applied

Article 23 Information accessible to applicant by other means

(1) Information is absolutely exempt information if it is reasonably available to the applicant, otherwise than under this Law, whether or not free of charge.

(2) A scheduled public authority that refuses an application for information on this ground must make reasonable efforts to inform the applicant where the applicant may obtain the information.