Arrival Tests Reintroduced For Some Travellers

People coming into Jersey who have spent time outside the Common Travel Area will be tested on arrival and have to isolate until getting a negative result from Friday 3 December.

That includes people who are fully vaccinated.

It's because of uncertainty surrounding the new Omicron variant.

14 confirmed cases of the new Covid strain have been detected in the UK, but none have been found to date in Jersey.

"From Friday 3 December, passengers aged 11 and over arriving in Jersey who have travelled outside the Common Travel Area (CTA) in the 10 days before arriving in Jersey, will be required to isolate until they receive a negative PCR test result, regardless of their vaccination status. This measure aligns with the UK’s requirements for arrivals from outside the CTA. It is recommended that they also undertake lateral flow tests daily for 10 days after arrival."  - Government of Jersey

It will still be possible to submit evidence of a negative PCR taken within 72 of arriving to avoid the isolation period.

Anyone who has arrived in the island since 12 November from any of the ten countries now on the UK red list is being told to get a PCR test immediately and another five days later, regardless of any previous negative result. Islanders are asked to call the Coronavirus helpline on 0800 735 5566 to book their PCR tests

The government says it's increasing its sequencing of identified positive cases, especially on those found through inbound travel.

Direct contacts of confirmed Omicron cases will have to isolate for ten days and get more tests.

It's likely to be a PCR test on Day 0 and Day 10 and ten consecutive days of lateral flows.

Islanders who have registered for home lateral flow testing are being advised to take one after travelling back to the island.

Event organisers, including for upcoming Christmas parties, are being encouraged to check that attendees have proof of a negative lateral flow test.

England and Guernsey have reintroduced mandatory mask-wearing in shops and on public transport because of concerns around Omicron.

There has been no announcement on that in Jersey, but it's understood that Ministers are still discussing the issue.

“I would like to reassure Islanders that we do not to date have any confirmed cases of Omicron in Jersey, and our sequencing of positive PCR test results continues to provide a good level of surveillance for variants in our Island. However, as part of our COVID-19 Winter Strategy, which is in place to protect Jersey throughout the winter months, it is prudent to start implementing measures to ensure we have the best possible defence in the face of an evolving situation." - Senator John Le Fondre

The government had previously announced it would be following the UK  - on the advice of the Joint Committee for Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI)  - and extending the Covid booster programme to all adults over the age of 18.