Friday 28 August 2020
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic the States of Guernsey has been open and transparent about its decision making processes.
Complex decisions have been made under extremely challenging circumstances to protect the health and wellbeing of the community as well as the Islands' health and care infrastructure. These decisions have consistently been based on evidence and explained through the communications issued by the States of Guernsey.
Over recent days a number of posts have been made on social media alleging the community has been misled and/or put at risk by decisions or 'cover-ups' by States of Guernsey politicians and officers.
These posts are wrong and do not reflect the principles on which the States of Guernsey has sought to base its COVID-19 pandemic communications on, and which we know the community have valued. Certain posts have also made references to tragic circumstances with suggestions and inference that these have arisen from poor medical practice. No one should be posting online in a public forum in such a manner and it is potentially dangerous to do so. Consideration must be given to the family and friends of individuals who have experienced trauma of any kind during this exceptional time and such speculation and rumour is entirely inappropriate.
Because of the way some social media posts are presented, they may be interpreted as 'fact' by more vulnerable members of our community and we have a duty, as a community, to be clear about what the real facts are and not spread fear.
If anyone has any questions or concerns about services provided by the States of Guernsey there are a number of ways people can make contact - these are detailed on the home page of gov.gg where there is a 'contact us tab'. Alternatively, the public can call 717000 and have their query directed to the appropriate Committee.
