A statement from the Minister for Health and Social Services

Deputy Renouf said:

Thank you, Chief Minister.

As you have said, Jersey is currently in a good position; one that has been achieved thanks to the ongoing cooperation of Islanders.

I would like to thank everyone who has followed the guidelines and played their part to keep the rates of transmission so low.

Throughout the Summer months, we have not seen COVID-19 transmission within our community, and we have an excellent test, track and trace programme in place to find and isolate cases should they be detected.　

Where guidelines have not been followed, we have intervened, and this has led to stricter enforcement and prosecutions.

We will continue this approach throughout the winter to keep Islanders safe and as a reminder to those who need reminding that we have not yet reached the end of the pandemic. The actions of the few will not be allowed to ruin the freedoms of the many.　

With this new capability we can update our regional classification thresholds to bring us in line with European Commission proposals, which sets amber levels across the continent at 50 cases per 100,000.

Today, we are releasing new regional classifications, at a more granular lower-tier authority level for England.

These new classifications will be in effect from Tuesday morning and will require all arrivals from green regions to undertake a test both on arrival and after five days, if they are still in Jersey.

Once our turnaround times for test results get below twelve hours, we will　require all arrivals from green regions to self-isolate until they receive a negative result. This is how we will maintain and enhance our border protections.　

A further announcement will be made in due course, to confirm when this will start.　

For regular and business travellers, the option to undertake a verified PCR test before arriving in Jersey still remains - provided that a negative result is received within seventy-two hours before arriving in the Island.

Full advice, including a breakdown of regional classifications and the steps for in-bound travellers is now available on the Gov.je website and via our dedicated coronavirus hotline on 445566.　　

In the meantime, I want to emphasise that we must not be complacent as a community. Physical distancing, frequent hand washing, the use of masks where appropriate and consideration for others remain vital in our fight against COVID-19.　

With these steps in place, I am confident that we can protect our health services, protect vulnerable Islanders and protect our community through the winter months.

Thank you, the Chief Minister, Dr Muscat and I will now take questions.