Wednesday 29 January 2020
The States of Guernsey has issued advice and guidance in response to the evolving situation regarding the 2019-nCoV Novel Coronavirus. A dedicated page has been launched on the States of Guernsey website www.gov.gg/coronavirus.
As well as general advice about the virus, the webpage contains details of affected areas, what to do if you have recently returned from one of these areas area, advice on travel and our local response to the situation.
Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health said:
This is a rapidly evolving situation and HSC is working with other States Committees to ensure that we are prepared for cases locally. As transmission of the virus has now occurred outside of China, and there may be undiagnosed cases in the UK, it would be prudent for Islanders to take simple precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses'
Public Health Services will continue to provide updates as the situation develops. In the meantime we are advising that everyone should always take simple daily precautions to help prevent the spread of respiratory illness. These include:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and have travelled to an area affected by the novel coronavirus.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Wash your hands frequently or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser.
- Follow good hygiene practices: cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing, use tissues only once, disposing of them promptly and carefully, wash hands frequently.
If you have returned from an affected area in the last 14 days and have a fever, cough or shortness of breath you should telephone the Emergency Department at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital (PEH) or your GP and tell them of your recent travel and the symptoms you are experiencing. If you are very unwell, please phone the ambulance service on 999 and advise them of your symptoms and travel history.
Please do not visit your GP or the Emergency Department at the PEH unannounced.
