SURVEY: Do you think you've had the virus?

Thursday 09 April 2020

A new survey has been launched to get a more accurate picture of how many islanders may have had covid-19.

Currently, the only way to confirm whether islanders have had the illness is by testing those with symptoms, but results can take more than 24 hours to process.

However, the Medical Officer for Health, Dr Ivan Muscat, explained last week that the true figure may be as much as ten times this.

How is your health? We need to understand the health of Islanders to better understand the spread of #coronavirus in #JerseyCI.

Whether you’re healthy or unwell, please take 5 to 10 minutes to complete our online survey here: https://t.co/DrI0kSm48A #YouHaveThePower pic.twitter.com/4neK6O5gwj

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) April 9, 2020

The government is aiming to be able to test everyone on the island to see if they have had the infection, even if they haven't shown symptoms. However, that process won't be in place for several weeks.

In the interim, they have since launched a 'Household Health' survey to find out how many people might have had corona virus to get a more accurate view of how it is spreading in the island. 

The online form is available in English, Polish and Portuguese, and asks whether each individual in the household has experienced symptoms or travelled in recent weeks.

Officials said it follows the example of the 'covid apps' rolled out in the UK, but ensures islanders’ data is securely held in a way that can inform the response to future phases of the pandemic in Jersey.

The Minister for Health, Deputy Richard Renouf, described the results of the survey as "critical in understanding the progression of COVID-19 in Jersey".

Pictured: A screenshot from the survey.

"Together with our island-wide testing programme, it will help us to understand where and when coronavirus is spreading to inform our future decisions. We invite all Islanders to complete this form, whether they’re unwell or feeling well and healthy, ideally within the next two weeks," he explained.

Those who cannot complete the form online can call 445566 or ask family and friends to complete it on their behalf.

CLICK HERE to take part.