13 April 2021
Following a review into the early stages of a COVID-19 infection, it is now recommended for any individual who newly develops any one of the following eight symptoms for no obvious or existing reasons, to immediately isolate along with their household and arrange a PCR test:
- fever
- cough
- loss of smell/taste
- fatigue
- headache
- sore throat
- diarrhoea
- muscle ache
Deputy Medical Officer of Health, Dr Ivan Muscat said: "The main 3 symptoms of COVID-19 – fever, a new, continuous cough and loss/change of smell and taste – remain and Islanders should continue to be aware of these main three.
"However, considering that variants may present differently, evidence shows that expanding the list of symptoms will increase COVID diagnosis and lead to the reduction of spread.
"If you have the sudden onset of any one of the eight symptoms that develop for no obvious reason, you should go into immediate isolation within your home, and book a test through the helpline. Anyone you live with should also go into isolation until you receive a negative result. Test results on average are returned within 24 hours so people shouldn't need to isolate for long if they are found to be negative."
Other COVID-19 symptoms include shortness of breath, skin rash, conjunctivitis, confusion /irritability, nasal congestion, and vomiting. However, experiencing any one of these symptoms alone will not be included as a trigger for isolation and testing.
The Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf said: "The long-term effect of this increased testing can reduce COVID's impact in Jersey. By further controlling and suppressing active cases we could avoid the need for implementing or maintaining restrictions.
"By increasing our attentiveness to symptoms, we can help avoid transmission and protect others from potentially becoming infected. It will enable our progress to continue the reconnection roadmap and maintain our freedoms by avoiding blanket restrictions.
"I encourage everyone to be extra vigilant for any new symptoms and to think of them as a trigger to call the Coronavirus helpline to book a test. Doing so will improve case finding and better support further reconnection and protect our vaccination programme."
Information on Coronavirus symptoms can be found online at gov.je/coronavirus. The helpline can be reached on 0800 735 5566.
gov.je