OF all the many challenges that politicians must face during the run-up to next week’s election, they might not have counted on Covid being among them.
Despite numbers having reduced over the past few months and life getting back to normal for the majority – and with just seven days until Islanders head to the polls – two party leaders have had to curtail their canvassing after testing positive for the virus.
Reform Jersey leader Senator Sam Mézec and Jersey Alliance leader Sir Mark Boleat, who both have their eyes on the Chief Minister’s seat if they are successful next Wednesday, will be unable to attend election meetings or carry out traditional door-knocking duties, with that of part their campaigns having to be left in the hands of party colleagues.
And with just a week until polling day any candidate contracting Covid now may be forced to miss that crucial last push for votes.
The most recent Covid figures have shown a significant spike, with the number of known active cases having doubled in the space of a week. The statistics, which are now released weekly on Thursday, showed 394 known active cases, compared with 170 seven days earlier.
Infection levels are estimated to have risen in London, north-west England and south-east England, with the increase suspected to have been caused by the spread of the newer Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, along with a jump in infections compatible with the original Omicron variant, BA.1.
The BA.2 variant – which caused a record wave of infections in spring this year – remains the dominant strain in the UK, however.
Both Sir Mark and Senator Mézec said that they would continue to be available for voters online and over the phone.
The States Greffier confirmed that candidates had not been given any election-specific advice in relation to Covid, over and above what the government issue to the general public. Those who test positive are no longer required to isolate, but government guidance remains that Islanders should isolate if they have symptoms and get a PCR test, that they should take regular lateral-flow tests and that those who test positive isolate until they post two negative tests 24 hours apart.
Senator Mézec moved to reassure Islanders that his party was taking precautionary steps while canvassing.
‘Obviously my party colleagues were the first people I told and I recommended that those who had seen me made sure they get tested, which I believe they all did. They have all tested negative and are feeling fine.
‘We always had the approach that when we are door-knocking we made sure we stood a bit further back. They will keep testing over the next few days but I don’t think there is too much risk at this stage.
‘The benefit we do have is that because we are a team we can carry on the campaign. My St Helier South colleagues are out and about and picking up where I am not able to.’
On Twitter, with a picture of his positive test, Senator Mézec added: ‘Horrendous timing. Sorry to any constituents this means I won’t be able to get round to seeing on the doorstep as I take a few days to get over this.
‘I’m available on the phone and online for any voter who wants a chat. Will also fit in some social media live Q&As.’
Meanwhile, a Jersey Alliance statement said: ‘Sir Mark Boleat has tested positive for Covid and as a result will not be continuing his door-to-door campaign in St Clement.
It said: ‘Sir Mark is in good spirits but disappointed that he is not meeting people face to face. Sir Mark has had a manifesto sent to all voters in St Clements and is happy to take phone calls from registered voters in the parish. He will continue working on social media from home.’
Sir Mark said: ‘I am not the only person to have Covid at the moment – clearly there is a bit of a spike generally and the purpose of putting out the release was to let those know who might have seen me, as I had done a bit canvassing yesterday.
‘I don’t think I have seen any of my party colleagues, so that shouldn’t be an issue. I will test every day or two and I’ll not be going out until I’m negative – hopefully before the election.’
Senator Mézec is seeking election in St Helier South, where there are four Deputy seats on offer, and Sir Mark is standing for one of the four Deputy seats available in St Clement.
