15 September 2021
Islanders who have recently recovered from a confirmed COVID-19 infection will now be classed as a Recently Recovered Previous Positive (RP) for 90 days instead of 28 days. This is in line with the UK's NHS policy.
An RP who has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19 will not be identified as a Direct Contact by the Contact Tracing Service, and therefore should not expect to be contract traced.
If an RP tests positive for COVID-19 under any of the Government of Jersey testing programmes, the case will be considered by the Contact Tracing Service and the positive result is likely to be discounted, unless they are symptomatic.
RPs who test positive at the airport or harbour when travelling into Jersey should have their positive test result discounted, unless they are symptomatic. RPs should bring proof of their original positive test result.
Deputy Medical Officer for Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, said: "This update means that for 90 days after a positive test, any subsequent positive tests or identification as a Direct Contact can be discounted on the basis that there is very little risk of real infection and infectivity, but a very real risk of being a false positive.
"This approach will lower the risk of 'inactive' viruses leading to unnecessary disruption at the border and on-Island.
"However, I would like to use this opportunity to re-iterate that natural infection is by no means a better alternative to vaccination. I urge all eligible Islanders to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, to give themselves the best possible protection against infection and very importantly serious illness. Vaccination is considered more effective against Covid-19 compared to that provided from natural infection."
Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: "I am pleased that we are extending Recently Recovered Previous Positive (RP) cases to 90 days instead of 28 days.
"This will have positive implications for the community as it reduces disruption, particularly within businesses and schools. This allows more RP children, who may have tested positive at the end of last term or over the summer, to stay in class which is important both for their education and mental wellbeing.
"This policy is successfully being used in the UK and US, so following the advice from the Deputy Medical Officer for Health, Dr Muscat, I am pleased to be updating the policy in Jersey."
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