Covid-19 tests used and genome testing in UK (FOI)

​Request  

A

What type of tests are Jersey predominantly using for detecting Covid-19 and how many gene targets are used in the tests?

B

Has Jersey seen an increase in one of the targets used in the tests being negative, whilst the others remain positive? If this has been observed, when was this increase first noticed?

C

Has Jersey sent positive test samples for genome sequencing and if so, how many samples have been sent?

D

Has Jersey received any information to suggest the new variant of Covid-19 seen in the UK is present in Jersey and if so, when was this information first received?

Response

A

Jersey currently use Altona and Cepheid tests. Both of these target two genes.

B

No change in pattern gene targets has been observed through testing to date.

C

10 positive test samples collected in December have been sent for genome sequencing in the period. As at 19 January 2021 seven results have been received, none of which contain the new variants. Further samples have also been sent from January testing. The results are pending.

D

The only evidence we have to date regarding the presence of the new variant in Jersey is based on epidemiology. This includes spread of the new 501/Y variant across the UK and some 50 other countries, our high connectivity with the UK, and the sudden otherwise unexplained spike in COVID cases seen in December 2020.