11 March 2020
The second case of coronavirus in Jersey has been confirmed by Health and Community Services. It follows the first Jersey case which was confirmed on Tuesday (10 March 2020).
The second person who has tested positive returned to Jersey from north-west Italy on Sunday 8 March. The individual concerned immediately self-isolated at home and remains well.
To protect the confidentiality of the individual and their family, no details will be released by the department.
The person has had no contact with anyone in Jersey since their return, apart from a family member, who is also self-isolating. Both will remain in self-isolation for the appropriate period of time.
Dr Ivan Muscat, Jersey’s Deputy Medical Officer of Health, said: “As with the first case, officers from Environmental Health are in the process of approaching all relevant contacts. If the team do not contact you then there is no need to worry, and you do not need to contact the Department or the helpline. We have all the contact details of the people we need to speak to.
“We want to reassure Islanders that the two people who have tested positive for coronavirus in Jersey are receiving all the care and medical attention necessary. We are working with the individuals concerned to trace any relevant close contacts and ensure that they are managed appropriately
“Our aim is to be open with islanders and ensure that we give the best possible treatment and care to our patients whilst protecting their confidentiality.
“The best thing people can do to help stop the spread of coronavirus is to be scrupulous about hand, surface and respiratory hygiene. Wash your hands frequently. Use tissues to cough or sneeze into and throw them away as soon as you have used them. Keep the surfaces you work on and touch as clean as you can. These messages will not change.”
In more than 80 percent of cases, infection with the virus is mild. Unlike flu, current indications are that individuals who are showing no symptoms are unlikely to be contagious.
If you have any queries or concerns about coronavirus, or are concerned you may have symptoms, call the helpline on 01534 445566. It is open from 8am to 8pm seven days a week.
If you have been to an affected area and have returned to Jersey and think you have symptoms, you are reminded not to come to the Emergency Department or go to your GP unannounced. Anyone who has come from the most affected countries (mainland China, Iran, South Korea and Italy) are asked to self-isolate for 14 days even if they do not have symptoms.
If you have returned from any affected area and feel very unwell you should call an ambulance and let them know your travel history when you call so you can be assessed.
Up to date information is available on the dedicated section on the Government website.
gov.je