17 March 2022
From today, Islanders who submit a positive lateral flow test (LFT) result onto the online portal will be given a code they can use in the Jersey COVID Alert app to anonymously alert close contacts.
Once a positive LFT result has been submitted online, the LFT positive Islander will automatically receive a six-digit code by SMS. This code can then be entered into a section of the COVID Alert app called 'Tested positive for COVID-19'. Any close contacts from the previous 72 hours who are also using the app will receive an 'Exposure Notification' on their device and are then advised to do daily LFTs for ten days.
Close contacts are other household members or anyone you have spent a prolonged period of time with over the previous 3 days. Close contacts do not need to isolate as long as they are not showing symptoms, or have not tested positive.
Anyone who receives a positive LFT result should submit the result online, book a confirmatory PCR test, and isolate away from others until a negative PCR test result is received. If a positive PCR test result is received, the current isolation policy still remains.
From yesterday, Wednesday 16 March, the workplace based lateral flow testing programme ended. This means LFT kits are no longer issued by businesses, instead all employees have been asked to register onto the free home testing programme to ensure they have their own supply of LFTs at home.
Minister for Health and Social Services, Deputy Richard Renouf, said: "This new digital feature allows Islanders to anonymously alert their close contacts sooner than previously possible. This means that positive cases may be identified more quickly as direct contacts are advised to test themselves with an LFT.
"I am aware that a number of Islanders may be hesitant to inform close contacts if they are positive with COVID-19, so the app is a brilliant way to do this anonymously. I would encourage Islanders to download the app if they haven't already done so, as we continue to de-escalate measures and learn to live with COVID-19 in this new normal way of life."
gov.je