It’s official – Jersey is open to unrestricted travel from Friday 3 July.
Despite an attempt by backbenchers to delay the move, the States Assembly voted through the testing programme that will allow Jersey to finally open its borders.
The decision will allow visitors to the island, helping Jersey’s tourism industry salvage what’s left of the summer season. It will also give islanders the opportunity to holiday overseas, and to visit family and friends.
For anyone arriving in Jersey, there will be a strict process to follow, which involves pre-registration before travelling, followed by either swab-testing or self-isolation on arrival. Failing to pre-register will cause significant delays on arrival.
‘We are in a very good place now, with no known active cases, and we want to protect that situation as far as possible. But we must also enable our valued hospitality businesses to get back to work, employ people and provide the services that can be enjoyed by both islanders and visitors,’ said Jersey’s Chief Minister, Senator John Le Fondré.
So with travel restrictions lifting this Friday, as Jersey enters a new ‘Safer Travel’ period, this is what you need to know so far:
Before leaving for Jersey
Passengers must complete an online registration form, giving their personal details, plus a declaration of health, countries visited before departing, whether they have Covid-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who is infected.
On arrival in Jersey
Passengers can either provide documentary evidence of a negative PCR test, taken within 72 hours of arriving in Jersey, or be swab-tested at the airport or harbour, or self-isolate for 14 days.
If you choose a test on arrival, you should limit the time spent away from your accommodation while waiting for the results, in addition to limiting social contact and, where possible, avoiding public transport and indoor gatherings.
Be warned, if you take part in the testing programme, you must take part in all aspects of it. Any failure to adhere to the full programme will result in a penalty fine of up to £1,000.
If your test result is negative:
You will be texted with your result and you can continue as normal, following Public Health advice. A text messaging service will keep in touch, and you should reply to any messages.
If your test is positive:
You will receive a phone call from the Contact Tracing Team, who will trace your recent contacts and advise you on self-isolation for 14 days.
(Feature image via @JERAriport)