WATCH: Elderly and vulnerable must now self-isolate

Thursday 26 March 2020

Islanders over the age of 65 and those with underlying health conditions must now self-isolate, the Health Minister has said.

In a statement delivered this afternoon, Deputy Richard Renouf explained the measure - which is more extreme than social distancing - was agreed following reports that covid-19 was circulating within the island community.

He said it was being applied to this age group because they are "more likely" to suffer more severe symptoms, be hospitalised and require intensive care. They are also "at the greatest risk of death".

Video: Deputy Renouf addressing islanders.

From midnight, this group should not leave their homes for more than two hours per day, and only do so:

• When shopping for basic necessities such as food and medicine, and should do this as infrequently as possible;
• for daily exercise;
• or for medical reasons.

Meanwhile, islanders with medical conditions putting them at 'severe' risk of covid-19 are being asked to 'home-isolate'.

This means:

• Strictly avoiding contact with anyone with coronavirus symptoms;
• Not leaving the house;
• Not attending any gatherings;
• Having food and medication left at the door, rather than collecting it, to minimise contact with others;
• And only using remote technology to contact those outside of the household.

He noted that this advice would be in place for a "matter of weeks", not days, and aims to reduce demand at the hospital and save more lives as a result.

Closing his address, he stressed: "This is for your own safety and requires all of us to ensure that we keep our distance and practice good hygiene so we don’t take the infection into your homes."

More guidance will be made available on the government website.