A trial programme of passenger testing for Covid-19 has begun at Jersey Airport.
Arriving passengers on Blue Islands’ ‘lifeline’ flights will be given the option of taking part or self-isolating for 14 days.
Those participating will have a swab test (a polymerase chain reaction or ‘PCR’ test) on arrival, and will be required to self-isolate for up to 48 hours until the first test result is ready.
If the first PCR test is negative, passengers will then receive written permission not to self-isolate for a limited duration, and it will be conditional on completing the full testing programme.
Those who test positive for the PCR test at any stage during the process will be required to self-isolate.
‘The next stage in the testing programme will be a finger-prick dual blood test, clinically called a serology test, to be taken on the fourth day after arriving in Jersey,’ according to Jersey Government.
‘Passengers may then be required to take up two additional PCR tests on the fourth and seventh days after arriving. The combination of a series of PCR tests, plus a serology test, is a robust approach to border testing, as advised by Scientific and Technical Advisory Cell (STAC).’
Existing travel restrictions remain in place and anyone wanting to depart or arrive on the island will require pre-authorisation, which will only be granted to those who meet the necessary travel criteria. Applications for travel authorisation can be made online.
All passengers with pre-existing Blue Islands bookings will be contacted, before departure, to explain how the trial works and will be asked if they wish to participate.
