21/09/2020
The number of active cases of coronavirus in the Island remains at three, as one person finishes their period of self-isolation and another case is confirmed. All three active cases involve individuals in isolation and the Island remains free of the virus in the community.
The new case is an Island resident who sought a test after returning from the United Kingdom. The individual travelled directly home from the airport on arrival, and is complying with all requirements. The resident is self-isolating alone and no high risk contacts have been identified. People who travelled to the Island on the same flight are being contacted.
Meanwhile, a non-Island resident who previously tested positive for coronavirus a week ago, has returned to the UK after tests confirmed the individual is clear of the virus.
Two additional tests were undertaken on this individual, both of which returned a negative result. After careful consideration, the individual was given the all-clear to travel home before the end of their isolation period. The decision was taken on clinical advice, taking into account that the visitor posed a very low risk to others and that as the individual was effectively stranded on the Island, allowing their return home was both practical and compassionate.
Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said:
‘This is the first instance where a decision of this kind was needed. A double negative test provided evidence the individual is no longer infectious. We took advice, looked at the circumstances and made a rational and fair decision.’
Two people who have previously tested positive are continuing their self-isolation periods.