New guide for high risk islanders in Jersey

Islanders in Jersey who fall into the 'high risk' category are being advised to only leave the house for outdoor activities.

A new Activity Risk Guide, published by the government, states that vulnerable islanders should maintain strict physical distancing and not sit inside at restaurants or go into shops - despite lockdown easing.

They are also being told to continue working from home where possible, and avoid using public transport.

Children who are at high risk of illness from Covid-19 are not expected to attend school, and parents should contact their child’s doctor to discuss their specific situation.

Conditions that mean people are high risk are:

  • Solid organ transplant recipients.

  • People with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy.

  • People with lung cancer who are undergoing radical radiotherapy.

  • People with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment.

  • People having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer.

  • People having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors.

  • People who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last six months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs.

  • People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

  • People with rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), homozygous sickle cell).

  • People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection.

  • Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired.

High risk Islanders will receive a letter by 1 July from their GP, to explain the new guidance and what it means for them.

More information can be found here.