Rising Covid cases puts strain on services in Guernsey

There are currently 2,574 Covid-19 cases in Guernsey

The rising number of Covid cases has put a severe strain on essential services, Guernsey's States has said.

Islanders are being asked to wear masks indoors, work from home where possible and take lateral flow tests.

After reviewing the rising cases, the Civil Contingencies Authority (CCA) has urged residents to remain cautious to help slow the spread of the virus.

The chief minister said "people still need to be vigilant" but the measures are not mandatory.

"We said that when we relaxed the restrictions and got rid of the restrictions in February - people still need to be vigilant, still need to wash their hands, still need to take tests, still need to wear masks," Deputy Peter Ferbrache added.

The States has not made these measures mandatory, but Mr Ferbrache said they would consider doing so "if the hospital services could not cope".

There are currently 2,574 cases and probably more unknown, the CCA reports.

Director of Public Health, Dr Nicola Brink, said the reasons for increasing cases include the prevalence of a sub-variant, BA.2, which is highly transmissible.

She said the increase is down to "a combination of BA.2, together with an increase of non-compliance with Covid safe procedures, and waning immunity - so we are addressing all of those individually".

The hospital put visitor restrictions in place on Monday in response to the recent rise in cases.

The States has called for community support to slow the spread of the virus as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the island.

The island's essential services and critical infrastructure are severely strained, said the States.

However, the number of cases requiring hospital treatment remains low.

Islanders have been asked to support the following to protect key services:

• Face coverings strongly recommended in enclosed indoor spaces

• Businesses encouraged to enable increased working from home where possible

• Stay at home if unwell or have Covid-19

• Take lateral flow tests if you have symptoms, visiting someone vulnerable or attending an event

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