Several politicians and expectant mothers have criticised the rules on antenatal scans, particularly given that non-essential retail and some hospitality businesses have been given the go-ahead to reopen.
More than 1,400 people have now signed a petition asking that expectant mothers be allowed a companion with them when they attend a scan.
A government spokesperson said: ‘We currently have one fully accredited obstetrics and gynaecology sonographer, as well as other trained midwives, who can conduct certain scans.
‘Although this resource is sufficient for Jersey within the context of our birth rates, there is a risk of losing this resource if maternity staff contract Covid-19.’
The spokesperson also defended the tighter rules in the Hospital when shops and restaurants were relaxing theirs.
‘The restrictions we have in place, both within the hospital and within the community, are proportionate to the risk which continues to be presented by Covid-19,’ they said.
‘The General Hospital and all sites across Health and Community Services will continue to be reviewed and risk assessed to protect services, patients and staff from Covid-19.’
The spokesperson that the restrictions between different environments could not be compared as each presented their own risk.
‘While we understand and sympathise with Islanders wanting to household mix and accompany their partners to appointments such as antenatal scans, it is not yet appropriate to relax these restrictions,’ the statement continued.
However, some politicians are unconvinced. Deputy Louise Doublet said: ‘Having a supportive partner there is an essential part of a pregnant woman’s medical care. It’s not just nice to have. The [Health] minister should allow supportive partners to be tested in advance of a planned scan, especially now that case numbers are falling and so many other things are opening up.
‘He should be looking at other mitigation factors, such as risk assessments in hospitals, or perhaps using a different room or rearranging staff.’
Reform Jersey leader Senator Sam Mézec pointed out that when the ban was first imposed in December, the Health Minister warned that allowing partners in would double the risk.
He said: ‘That’s clearly nonsense. If there is any extra risk it would be minimal. A partner is allowed to drive a woman to the hospital, give her a kiss, and drive her home again – and yet he’s not allowed in? It’s clearly ridiculous.’
Restaurants and pubs are to reopen on a limited basis from Monday, following non-essential shops and hairdressers.
Senator Mézec added: ‘It does create some absurdities. The Health Minister needs to have a think, and see if there are extra measures that can be considered, like requiring a negative test from partners before they come in.’
