Guernsey’s government has released detailed information for passengers arriving in the Bailiwick as of Monday 17 August.
As the island enters Phase 5b of its Exit from Lockdown strategy, Public Health has set out its criteria for categorising countries as A, B or C, which will determine the period of self-isolation for people arriving in Guernsey.
Countries or regional classifications may change at short notice. This means that testing and self-isolation requirements may change in the space of time between booking a trip, departing for the destination and returning to the country of origin.
‘The criteria focuses primarily on the prevalence of Covid-19 in a country and therefore the potential risk of travel or tourism-related spread to our islands. The criteria also takes into account other factors, such as how widely a country is testing its population which could impact on the data’s reliability,’ said Dr Nicola Brink, Director of Public Health.
‘Initially, we are keeping things simple and determining the categories country by country. However, we will be looking at if we can implement regional classifications of a country in the future. We’re continuing to review whether this is effective and workable, and we may move to regional categories in some cases, in the coming weeks.’
What happens when you arrive in Guernsey?
Whether arriving by commercial airline or ferry, or private plane or boat, passengers must complete a form and list the countries they have visited in the seven days prior to their arrival in Guernsey.
The form must be presented, along with ID, to a Guernsey Border Agency representative, who will be able to confirm if you are eligible for the option of testing on day seven of self-isolation, or if you must self-isolate for a full 14 days.
If your travel history is unclear or further information is required, you will need to self-isolate for 14 days while the information is reviewed further. If you are found to be eligible for testing on day seven, you will be contacted directly.
After providing the relevant information to the Guernsey Border Agency, you can travel directly to the location where you will be self-isolating.
If you qualify for a day-seen test, you are expected to arrange your own travel for the test, either using your own private transport or a taxi. Test results will take between 24 and 48 hours. If the test result is negative, you may leave self-isolation but must observe the ‘passive follow-up’ rules, which includes a restriction on travel to Alderney, until day 14 after their arrival.
If the test is positive, you must remain in self-isolation and Public Health Services will provide you with further guidance.