Coronavirus update - two negative tests in Jersey

Health and Community Services have confirmed that an individual who presented with flu-like symptoms last week after having arrived in Jersey from a country known to have cases of Coronavirus has had a negative test result returned this morning (Monday, 10 February 2020).

Meanwhile, a second individual tested in Jersey has received a negative result, and two more people who have been tested over the weekend as a precaution are awaiting results.

For reasons of patient confidentiality, no further information (such as the age, gender, nationality or where those tested are being treated) will be released or confirmed.
There are no confirmed cases of Coronavirus in Jersey.

Latest figures from the UK show that a total of 795 people have been tested in the UK, with only eight positive results returned.

Dr Ivan Muscat, Jersey’s consultant microbiologist and Deputy Medical Officer of Health, said: “Although we are testing a very small number of people for Coronavirus in Jersey, I would emphasise that figures show that the overwhelming majority of people who are tested in the UK for Coronavirus receive negative test results. 

“As I said last week, we are working to pick up any potential cases as quickly as we can and if they present with suspected symptoms, they can be tested as swiftly as possible. This is the same as in the UK and Europe, so we are mirroring best practice.

“Islanders can help protect themselves by regularly washing their hands, practicing good respiratory hygiene and keeping surfaces and touch points (like light switches) clean.”
Anyone who feels unwell and suspects they may have Coronavirus-like symptoms is urged not to come to the Hospital’s Emergency Department unannounced.

Anyone who has arrived in Jersey from mainland China should self-isolate for two weeks, whether or not they have any flu-like symptoms. 

Anyone who has arrived from any of the following areas, who develops symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath, should self-isolate and contact their GP. They are urged not to come to the Hospital’s Emergency Department unannounced.  If anyone has these symptoms and feels very unwell, they should call an ambulance and give their travel history.