Coronavirus: update

07 February 2020

Health and Community Services have confirmed that an individual presenting flu-like symptoms is being held in isolation as a precautionary measure, after having arrived in Jersey from a country known to have cases of Coronavirus.

Tests on the patient are currently being carried out, and at this stage there is no evidence that this individual is suffering from Coronavirus rather than the flu or another ailment.

It will take around 48 hours to get the test results, and in the meantime Islanders are being asked to avoid speculation or worry.

For reasons of patient confidentiality, no further information (such as the person’s age, gender, nationality or where they are being treated) will be released or confirmed.

Figures show that the vast majority of people who are tested in the UK for Coronavirus receive negative test results. As of 7 February 2020, 620 tests have concluded in the UK, and of these, 3 were positive.

Dr Ivan Muscat, Deputy Medical Officer of Health and consultant microbiologist, said: “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 are reminded to ensure they practice good hygiene, by washing their hands and disposing of tissues as soon as they have used them, and keeping any 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:

• Mainland China
• Thailand
• Japan
• Republic of Korea
• Hong Kong
• Taiwan
• Singapore
• Malaysia
• Macau

Up to date information on Coronavirus