Coronavirus: Guernsey test results delayed by more than a week

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Guernsey has risen by 15 in a 24 hour period - taking the total number in the Channel Islands to 32.

However, Public Health Services say they are still waiting for the results of tests taken between 11 and 14 March 2020.

The overall number of confirmed cases in Guernsey now stands at 17. The government is still awaiting 61 results.

The test results received in the last 24 hours are from samples taken between 17 and 19 March 2020.

Guernsey's government says all of the 15 positive cases have a "clear travel history" and have recently returned from the UK, France, Tenerife, Mainland Spain, Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Each person became symptomatic (a cough, fever or shortness of breath) on their return and followed Public Health advice by self-isolating as soon as they showed any symptoms.

They sought help promptly and are being supported by healthcare professionals.

None of the cases appear to have been picked up locally in the Bailiwick of Guernsey, according to the States.

Dr Nicola Brink says Guernsey has prepared for Covid-19 "using World Health Organisation guidelines for managing a pandemic, that is you design your response so that it is specific to your local jurisdiction".

Meanwhile the President of the Committee for Health and Social Care in Guernsey is urging islanders to "fight to protect the community" from Covid-19.

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