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Vaccinated islanders with covid may be able to leave quarantine three days early under plans being discussed by Government.
Competent Authority Ministers (CAM) - those legally responsible for deciding emergency covid measures - confirmed today that they have asked Public Health officials whether the self-isolation period should be reduced for vaccinated people who test positive for covid from 10 to seven days.
If approved, the move could see hundreds of islanders isolating over Christmas able to celebrate New Year with others.
A spokesperson said that a final decision will be taken once Public Health officials and the Government's specialist team of scientific advisers, STAC, report back to CAM.
It comes after the UK Government announced this morning that people infected with covid in England would be able to stop self-isolating after seven days instead of 10 if they provide negative lateral flow tests on days six and seven.
The new rule applies regardless of vaccination status, unlike the proposal under discussion in Jersey.
The CAM spokesperson added: "Jersey is not experiencing the same levels of infection as England, nor the disruption to critical national infrastructure that goes along with this.
"Therefore, officers have the opportunity to carefully consider emerging data, review the policy, and advise Ministers as to what is best for Jersey."
Yesterday, the policy for direct contacts with individuals confirmed to have the omicron variant was changed. Previously, they had to isolate for 10 days. They were told on Tuesday evening that the quarantine rule would no longer apply, and that anyone self-isolating could leave. They were advised, however, to continue with lateral flow tests over the 10-day period.
As of Tuesday afternoon, 1,208 people in Jersey were recorded as having tested positive for covid - 10 of whom were in hospital, and one in a care home.
933 people were recorded as showing symptoms, while 275 were not.
Statistics update:
— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) December 21, 2021
There are currently 10 active cases in hospital.
The number of active cases on the Island is 1208.
There have been 147 new cases and 120 recoveries since Monday 20 December. pic.twitter.com/zUJpMdcVXt
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