Thread by @GaryBurgessCI

Guernsey government coronavirus update now underway. Here come highlights as we go...

•Lack of available testing at scale means a shift in approach from Singapore model where schools didn’t close
•It means schools will now close
•That may change once there’s on-island testing

•It’s likely students who’ve returned to island have brought virus back with them
•There’s now a backlog of 70 tests awaiting results
•Means there’s uncertainty about whether island is still in containment phase

•All schools will close close of play Friday (same as UK and Jersey)
•Closure currently to end of Easter holidays subject to review
•Childcare will be provided for children of key workers and those with special educational needs tomorrow afternoon

•Closure of pubs etc actively being considered due to changing circumstances, details tomorrow
•Approach remains “cautious” and “evidence based” to ensure infrastructure can cope
•On-island testing facility is a top priority being worked on now

•Police urging all islanders to follow all guidelines for “as long as necessary”
•All arrivals at ports now being met by Border Agency officers to reinforce self-isolation rules
•Virus hotline getting 300+ calls a day

•A reminder not to listen to social media rumour, use official sources
•On-island testing could be up and running within three weeks
•Testing then will be widened to paint fuller picture of any local virus spread

•If wider testing shows no community spread, upcoming tougher restrictions could be relaxed
•Children will be issued specific “proportionate” guidance about social distancing etc before schools close
•Decision to create on-island testing was taken weeks ago, but takes time

•New legislation will allow for law enforcement officers, if needed, to ensure those means to self-isolate do so
•Needs of parents who need to take time off work to care for their children being considered right now
•Important not to “sugar coat” level of disruption to some

•Once there’s on-island testing results will come on the same/next day
•Guernsey and Jersey are sharing lots of knowledge between islands but continue to make bespoke single island decisions
•Police may scale back their back office work to ensure front line is fully staffed

•Chief Minister says he understands “frustration and despair” of pupils affected by exam cancellations
•Whole community experiencing “real stress and anxiety”, dealing with it “a challenge”
•New virus high dependency unit at hospital being worked on now

•Health Minister “heartened” by way community and media are sharing positive ideas for adjusting to “new normal”
•Resilience of telecoms infrastructure to cope with increased demand now being looked at
•Reminder that Guernsey got through Occupation, will get through this

End