First confirmed corona virus patients infected while in Jersey

Thursday 19 March 2020

The official number of people diagnosed with covid-19 in Jersey has now jumped to 10, with the first cases confirmed of people catching the virus locally.

Health officials have issued the update that there are now officially ten positive cases of the virus in the island, including two people who have not travelled home from any of the affected areas.

Out of 333 tests – which are all analysed in the UK – 323 returned a negative result and 10 were positive.

It comes as the Government endeavour to set up a testing facility on-island so that Jersey isn’t reliant on the already stretched resources in the UK.

Schools are also due to shut at the end of this week in order to contain the spread of the virus.

While there are 10 confirmed cases now in Jersey, there are likely to be more, as testing is prioritised for those who are classed as vulnerable. 

Over-65s are still being advised to 'socially distance' – which means cutting out any unnecessary contact with others – and those who have returned to the island from any of the affected countries are being told to self-isolate in their homes for 14 days.

It’s also recommended that anyone with flu-like symptoms, regardless of their travel history, should self-isolate for seven days.

Follow Express for updates…