New freephone number for Coronavirus Helpline

Islanders can now call the Coronavirus Helpline for free following an agreement with JT.

People will be able to call 0800 735 5566 for the full range of Coronavirus support, including if they have symptoms, for advice on restrictions, to book vaccinations, for travel, testing, and contact tracing advice, and to reach the Connect Me support service.

The new number can be used immediately and will be in place for as long as the Coronavirus helpline is needed.  It is currently open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 4pm Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays.

All calls from Jersey mobiles and landlines to this number will be free of charge. The current number, 445566, will also continue to operate as normal.

Minister for Social Security, Deputy Judy Martin said: “While most of our calls are answered quickly, some days see a peak in calls in a short space of time, for example when vaccination bookings open or restrictions change.  This can mean some Islanders have to wait until they can speak to an advisor. 

"We’d like to thank JT for offering to cover the costs of the Coronavirus helpline and install the freephone number. We hope this will make it easier for those who do have to pay per minute on their phone contracts to contact the helpline for advice and encourage anyone who needs our support to get in touch.”

Daragh McDermott, Managing Director JT Channel Islands, said: “We are really pleased to be able to work with the Government of Jersey to provide this Freephone service, which allows callers to contact the coronavirus helpline without incurring any charges, irrespective of who they subscribe to. 

"This forms a further element of JT’s wider and on-going contribution to supporting islanders through the pandemic.  This support has included doubling broadband speeds for all fibre broadband subscribers since March 2020 to make it easier for islanders to work, be entertained and stay in contact with friends and loved ones from home, making local landline calls free during periods of lockdown and removing data charges for any customers that remain on old tariffs that don’t already have unlimited broadband usage included.”