ISLANDERS are being urged to help prevent the spread of seasonal illness – following a fall in the number of known Covid cases due to ‘reduced testing over the Christmas holidays’.
Deputy director of public health Grace Norman said people should remain at home if they were feeling unwell, particularly given the number of viruses in circulation.
The most-recent weekly data revealed there were 765 confirmed Covid cases in the Island, with 20 people in hospital with the virus.
The figures were significantly down on the week before, when 1,047 cases were confirmed – the highest total since known cases numbered 1,503 during a spike in mid-July this year.
Ms Norman said: ‘This week’s stats show a small reduction of Covid-19 infections.
‘However, there was reduced testing over the Christmas holidays.
‘We have also seen an increase in circulation of other seasonal illness such as flu and RSV. To minimise the risk of infection, particularly as the new year and new school term approach, we are strongly encouraging Islanders to stay home if unwell.’
Meanwhile, Ms Norman said there were no plans to enforce restrictions at the Island’s borders, amid concerns that the lifting of Covid-related measures in China could spark a surge in cases.
But she said Jersey would continue to monitor the international picture.
She added: ‘Under the Safer Travel Policy, we continue to assess the international Covid-19 situation on a regular basis, particularly in relation to the risk posed by new variants of concern.
‘Based on that assessment, also informed by the guidance of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, there are currently no active plans to reintroduce increased measures at Jersey’s border.
‘This will be kept under constant review.’
