Increases that are considered to be "significant" in Jersey Covid

Over the course of the previous week and a half, there has been a discernible increase in the total number of instances of COVID reported in Jersey.

There are currently 639 active cases in Jersey, and three patients at the hospital on the island have tested positive for coronavirus. This number is nearly exactly twice the number of active cases that were documented on June 9th, when there were only 331.

According to Dr. Ivan Muscat, Jersey's Deputy Medical Officer of Health, the rise is consistent with what has been seen in the UK and is most likely the result of the introduction of the BA.4 and BA.5 strains of Omicron.

The Public Health Team is continuing to assess the situation as it is right now. Dr. Muscat urges island residents to have a heightened state of awareness when it comes to identifying those who may be vulnerable to the effects of Covid.

His words were as follows: "I urge Islanders to maintain doing the right thing by continuing to follow public health recommendations, which includes completing frequent Lateral Flow Tests (LFT), especially before visiting vulnerable persons or high-risk environments such as the hospital and care homes."

The residents of the islands are also encouraged to continue using a mask whenever they are inside a hospital or any other healthcare facility. Before traveling to vote in the next election, island residents will be required to complete a Lateral Flow Test beforehand. This request comes as the election draws near.

On election day, if you are unable to make it to your polling station because of illness, you are encouraged to get in touch with your local Parish Hall as soon as possible. If you do so, they will arrange for a voting official to come to you in order to collect your ballot.

Islanders are still being reminded to: 

• Stay updated with their vaccinations 
• Improve ventilation by opening windows
• Isolate themselves if they have symptoms and get PCR tested
• Undergo lateral flow tests twice a week or before meeting a susceptible person
• It is recommended to routinely sanitize your hands with hand wash or sanitizer.