Critical workers isolation exemption (FOI)

Request

Between 20 October and 4 November, a total of 153 individuals were given permission by the Government to avoid isolation due to being classified as “critical.” The figures come in addition to the 82 workers granted exemptions between 22 September and mid-October.

How many of these have tested positive for coronavirus?

If tested positive, do they need to quarantine for 14 days before resuming work.

What are the protocols in place for testing contacts within the groups should this happen? Do those contacts have to then self-isolate until a test result comes through?

Response

Of the 153 ‘critical workers’ granted exemption between 20 October and 4 November 2020, fewer than five tested positive for COVID-19. It is not possible to provide the exact number, as this is extremely low and could lead to the identification of individuals. This information is therefore exempt under Article 25 of the Freedom of Information (Jersey) Law 2011.

If tested positive, individuals must immediately self-isolate and follow Government guidelines.

Direct Contacts would be identified, and testing and isolation for Direct Contacts would apply in accordance with current policy.

Each case is discussed to determine whether additional testing of indirect contacts is required.

Article applied

Article 25 - Personal information

(1) Information is absolutely exempt information if it constitutes personal data of which the applicant is the data subject as defined in the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2005.

(2) Information is absolutely exempt information if –

(a) it constitutes personal data of which the applicant is not the data subject as defined in the Data Protection (Jersey) Law 2005; and

(b) its supply to a member of the public would contravene any of the data protection principles, as defined in that Law.