17 March 2020
The Emergencies Council met today to discuss Jersey’s ongoing management of Coronavirus.
The Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré, chaired the meeting and members reviewed the Island’s management of the pandemic and how best to contain the virus.
The Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, explained how public health modelling is being used to flatten the curve. He described how various measures could slow the spread of the virus, to reduce demand on Jersey’s hospital services and give clinicians the best chance to save lives.
Other items discussed were the potential closing of schools, the postponement of large-scale events, and support for small, local businesses. Further announcements will be forthcoming.
The meeting was also informed that some returning travellers have not been adhering to the advice on self-isolation. The Chief Minister, Senator Le Fondré, said: “The Emergencies Council was disturbed to hear that some people are ignoring the advice we have been issuing on who should self-isolate after arriving in Jersey. Instead, they have been seen out and about when they should be staying at home to protect other, more vulnerable Islanders.
“We cannot stress enough how important it is that our community is mindful of the risk Covid-19 presents for older people and those with underlying health conditions, many of which are not evident at first glance.”
There have been five confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Jersey and one in Guernsey.
gov.je