Friday 13 March 2020
Specific advice has been released today by Public Health Services for Islanders who are over 65 or those with underlying health conditions to help protect them from COVID-19. This advice expands on the general Social Distancing advice that has also been released today.
This virus which causes COVID-19 is new and can cause pneumonia in some people. As it is a new virus there is no immunity in our population. It seems that those who are older or have underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to the complications of infection with this virus.
Dr Brink, Director of Public Health said:
'The scientific evidence we have so far indicates that COVID-19 hits the older population with underlying health conditions harder which means we have to ensure that they are aware of measures to protect their health and wellbeing.
Public Health advice is not saying that our older community can't still go out for a walk or for exercise in an open outdoor space. However, we are suggesting that they avoid non-essential closer contact as much as possible such as not going out to group meetings, dances, meals out and shopping.'
Full guidance can be found at www.gov.gg/coronavirus. A targeted communication will be sent to all households with a resident over the age of 65 as soon as possible as we are aware that not everyone has easy access to the internet.
