A government spokesperson said ministers would be ‘taking into account’ the effect of travel over the holiday, after it was announced that Stage 7 of the reconnection roadmap will proceed as scheduled on 14 June – provided case numbers remain low. The next phase will see the return of nightclubs and festivals, as well as unlimited gatherings in homes and gardens, large indoor and outdoor events and the resumption of standing alcoholic drink services.
Last week the first cases of the Indian variant were confirmed in the Island, after a ‘small number’ of inbound travellers tested positive for the more transmissible form of the virus. Thousands of passengers are expected to pass through Jersey’s borders throughout the half-term holiday.
When asked if the new variant could delay the roadmap, a government spokesperson said: ‘We will be keeping a close eye on developments and taking into account the effect of travel over the half-term break.
‘Increasing reconnection is invariably associated with increasing risk, this is why we have eased restrictions in stages as outlined in the reconnection roadmap, and have followed the advice from the Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell with a view to be able to respond quickly if needed.’
Islanders are being urged to arrange their vaccination appointments, with bookings for 25- to 29-year-olds due to open on Friday.
‘We need to make sure that we minimise the impact of Covid whilst continuing to roll out the vaccination programme as rapidly as we can,’ said the spokesperson. ‘The vaccine not only helps prevent infection and reduce transmission but also reduces severity of disease and hospitalisation.’
The vaccination programme has administered more than 100,000 doses, with nine out of ten Islanders over 40 years old having received their first dose. Half of the adult population has been fully vaccinated.
‘We aim to have offered all Islanders over 50 years old their second dose around five weeks after their first dose,’ the spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, deputy medical officer of health Dr Ivan Muscat has written to parents with a reminder to remain ‘vigilant’ against Covid-19 during half-term.
Dr Muscat said he wanted to thank schools, colleges and the nursery community for ‘playing their part’ in ensuring the risk of the virus was minimised. In the letter, he reminded Islanders that the three main symptoms to be aware of are a new continuous cough, a fever or high temperature and loss of smell or taste.
‘I appreciate the huge efforts being made by parents, carers, students, school, college and nursery staff who continue to follow the public health guidelines which helps to keep our community safe,’ he said.
