20 March 2020
With effect from 00:01 on Friday 20 March, the Government of Jersey is introducing new guidance for all travellers arriving in Jersey, wherever they began their journey. This includes the UK, Guernsey, Europe and the rest of the world.
The guidance is that all travellers arriving in Jersey must now self-isolate for 14 days. This is regardless of whether they are displaying flu-like symptoms or not.
- solo travellers, who live alone, should immediately go into self-isolation
- a family or group travelling together should all immediately go into self-isolation
- where a solo traveller is returning to a shared or family home and is not showing any symptoms of infection, they should separate themselves from others in the home in accordance with self-isolation advice for 14 days. Family members should strictly follow social distancing advice
- where a solo traveller is returning to a shared or family home and is showing any symptoms of infection, they should separate themselves from others in the home in accordance with self-isolation advice (for a minimum of 14 days and until a 48 hour period of being symptom free). Household members who have had any contact with the symptomatic patient whilst symptomatic or in the 3 days before symptoms appeared should self isolate as well
During the self-isolation period of 14 days, anyone who develops flu-like symptoms should call the helpline.
People are advised not to travel to the Island unless they have the ability to self-isolate for a full 14 days in Jersey.
Arriving passengers who are non-symptomatic can, where absolutely necessary, use public transport for the short journey (maximum 1 hour) to travel directly from arrival to their home, whilst observing social distancing advice. They must then follow the self-isolation rules. They can also use their own transport, or travel with an individual collecting them, again subject to observing social distancing advice and cleaning the vehicle after use. Passengers should travel directly to their homes and not visit any shops during the journey.
Transport will be provided for any symptomatic travellers.
The measure does not apply to essential workers coming to Jersey, as they should not affect our overall containment strategy and their presence in Jersey is very important to help us to keep the Island running. If essential workers develop symptoms of coronavirus within 14 days of travel they must self-isolate and self-refer. Any essential worker who has been in contact with any confirmed COVID-19 individual abroad must self-isolate for 14 days. Essential workers are also advised to actively limit the frequency of travel into and out of the Island.
Medical advice has been updated and is constantly under review. This is based on the latest data.
Islanders are advised to only travel off-Island if it is truly essential, such as for medical care, to provide care for vulnerable dependents and for essential business that can’t be undertaken remotely by electronic or other means.
Anyone returning from anywhere abroad with symptoms of coronavirus should immediately self-isolate and self-refer by calling the helpline on +44 (0) 1534 445566.
The line is open every day from 8am to 8pm.
Media release updated: 2.30pm, Saturday 21 March for advice for solo and travellers and groups returning to a shared or family home.
gov.je