Government launch Coronavirus ‘helpline’

Wednesday 19 February 2020

Jersey’s health department has connected a ‘helpline’ for anyone who is worried they might have Coronavirus.

So far, local patients have all tested negative for the virus which has been spreading across the world from the Chinese city of Wuhan earlier this year.

Now, Health and Community Services have launched a dedicated helpline for anyone who has developed symptoms – a fever, a cough or difficulty breathing - within 14 days of arriving in Jersey from a country affected by the disease. 

Pictured: Those who develop symptoms after arriving in Jersey from affected countries are encouraged to call the helpline.

The nine countries affected by the virus are as follows:

• Mainland China;
• Thailand;
• Japan;
• Republic of Korea;
• Hong Kong;
• Taiwan;
• Singapore;
• Malaysia;
• Macau.

In those circumstances, islanders can call the helpline for assistance and to arrange testing.

Health are reminding those individuals that they should isolate themselves and not attend the Emergency Department or their GP surgery unannounced. 

Pictured: Patients concerned they might have the virus are being reminded not to show up at their GP or the hospital unannounced.

For those arriving in Jersey from mainland China, Health have advised that they “should self-isolate for 14 days after their arrival, whether or not they have symptoms. People who have travelled from an affected country and feel very unwell, should call and ambulance and state their travel history.”

The helpline – 01534 445566 – is open between 08:00 and 23:00. The Government is assuring callers that anyone who contacts the number outside of these times or who phone when the line is busy can leave a message and their call will be returned.