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Information and public services for the Island of Jersey

L'înformâtion et les sèrvices publyis pouor I'Île dé Jèrri

Further de-escalation of Jersey’s COVID-19 response announced

19 January 2023

​As part of the continued de-escalation of COVID-19 measures, the Government has announced a number of changes to services including:

  • the end of government provided public PCR testing
  • closure of the airport testing centre
  • closure of the Coronavirus helpline
  • de-activation of the Jersey COVID-19 Alert app
  • the end of weekly COVID-19 data reporting 

The changes, which were signalled in autumn 2022, will see the management of COVID-19 move from an emergency response into pre-existing services. The changes are considered proportionate to the current epidemiological situation and also reflect an overall fall in demand for public COVID-19 services over the last nine-month period. 

The Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Bradley, said: “In 2022, we announced the phased de-escalation of our COVID-19 response, and I am pleased we have been able to make this decision to step down more of these measures.

“Our priority is and always will be the health and safety of Islanders and the changes we’re announcing today continue our move towards the sustainable management of COVID-19. I want to reassure Islanders that they will continue to be supported if unwell or concerned about COVID-19, however how they access this support will revert to pre-pandemic routes and contacts.

“I would like to thank everyone who has worked tirelessly through the last three years, including the testing team, COVID Safe, the helpline staff and many others. 

“Although we are scaling down our response, COVID-19 is still with us and will be for the foreseeable future. I therefore urge everyone to continue following the guidance, stay at home and do an LFT test if you feel unwell, and if you are eligible for any of your vaccines, book an appointment or drop into the Vaccine Centre.” 

Updated Guidance

Positive Cases 

Islanders should stay at home if unwell and do an LFT test. If positive, they should stay at home for at least five days and until they have been symptom free for 48 hours. After a positive test, Islanders may be eligible for Short Term Incapacity Allowance (STIA). To claim STIA, Islanders will need a medical certificate from their GP in the normal way. 

PCR Testing

From 30 January, Government provided public PCR testing will end and the drive through Airport Testing Centre will close. PCR testing will remain available through GPs and private providers.

LFT testing 

Free of charge LFT kits for home use will remain available to order online. Guidance will be for Islanders to use LFTs:

  • when they have COVID-19 symptoms 
  • before visiting a vulnerable person or health and care setting 

Health, care and vulnerable settings

Enhanced testing and additional measures, including mask wearing, will remain in place.

Coronavirus Helpline

The helpline will close and Islanders will no longer be able to call for general COVID advice. Full Public Health guidance remains on gov.je/coronavirus and Islanders are encouraged to book vaccinations via gov.je/vaccine. Some limited telephone services to support vaccination bookings and COVID Status Certification will remain in place.

Jersey COVID Alert 

From 31 January, all functions of the Jersey COVID Alert app will be disabled, and the app will no longer be available from app stores. Islanders should not rely on case and vaccination data held by the app from this point as it may be out of date. 

Data Reporting

Weekly reporting of COVID statistics will stop and data will no longer be posted across the Government’s social media channels. The Public Health team will continue to monitor COVID-19 information internally.

General Guidance 

Islanders are encouraged to continue following the guidance and spread warmth not illness by: 

  • Staying home if unwell and doing an LFT test
  • Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and Flu
  • Keeping the air fresh 

Islanders are also encouraged to use an LFT before visiting elderly and vulnerable people and wear a mask in health and care settings.

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