Between Friday 4th and Sunday 6th December 2020, 879 passengers have travelled to the Guernsey Bailiwick. Friday was the busiest day for travel due to the additional flights that were arranged in order to ensure that those students who wished to, could return to the Bailiwick for Christmas and New Year.
81% of travellers (710 individuals) opted to take a day one COVID-19 test on arrival at the airport or harbour. 169 individuals did not take a day one test – this number will include children under 12 (who are not required to take a self-swab test on arrival), those who are unable to take a test and those who have chosen to self isolate for 14 days with no testing.
Richard Evans, Programme Director – Travel Tracker said: “The teams involved in processing travellers have worked extremely hard over the weekend to cope with the anticipated spike in travellers coming home for Christmas and New Year.
“All passengers who have arrived in the Bailiwick must self-isolate for 14 days on arrival. Some are isolating on their own, or with friends and family. We know that this is challenging and we thank them to sticking to the rules and working with us to keep the Bailiwick safe this winter”.
Dr Brink, Director of Public Health said: “The Pathology laboratory team processed 839 COVID-19 samples over the weekend alongside all of their other diagnostic work. Some swabs taken on Sunday afternoon/evening will be processed today. The Public Health team were also working over the weekend to communicate the results to travellers and to answer any queries.
“The fact that we have not identified any positive results from these 839 tests tells me that travellers from the UK have been complying with the COVID-19 restrictions where they were living which is excellent news for the Bailiwick. Once again, I would like to thank returning students for their continued cooperation – this is really appreciated.
“We now need those returning travellers to respect the self-isolation requirements imposed on them for 14 days. I know it is difficult but it is necessary to ensure we can continue to work and socialise in our Bailiwick bubble”.
