Recently Recovered Positive Case Period Extended

Islanders who recently recovered after getting coronavirus will likely have positive test results discounted for the next 90 days, unless they have symptoms.

The 'Recently Recovered Previous Positive' case period has been extended from 28 to 90 days.

Jersey is now aligned with the UK.

Someone who has recently recovered will not be identified as a direct contact by the contact tracing service and should not expect to be contact traced.

Anyone who tests positive within 90 days of recovering from coronavirus will likely have their positive test discounted, unless they display symptoms.

It's the same for so-called RPs who test positive at the airport or harbour.

"This update means that for 90 days after a positive test, any subsequent positive tests or identification as a Direct Contact can be discounted on the basis that there is very little risk of real infection and infectivity, but a very real risk of being a false positive. 

"This approach will lower the risk of ‘inactive’ viruses leading to unnecessary disruption at the border and on-Island. 

"However, I would like to use this opportunity to reiterate that natural infection is by no means a better alternative to vaccination. I urge all eligible Islanders to get vaccinated against COVID-19 as soon as possible, to give themselves the best possible protection against infection and very importantly serious illness. Vaccination is considered more effective against Covid-19 compared to that provided from natural infection." - Dr. Ivan Muscat, Deputy Medical Officer of Health.

Jersey passed the 150,000 vaccination dose landmark a few days ago and marked it with a celebration at the vaccine centre.

This afternoon we’re celebrating with the vaccination team reaching 150,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Thank you to @waitrose Jersey who have kindly supported with our celebration today. pic.twitter.com/uG0bqkX5dr

— Government of Jersey (@GovJersey) September 15, 2021

"I am pleased that we are extending Recently Recovered Previous Positive (RP) cases to 90 days instead of 28 days. 

"This will have positive implications for the community as it reduces disruption, particularly within businesses and schools. This allows more RP children, who may have tested positive at the end of last term or over the summer, to stay in class which is important both for their education and mental wellbeing.  

"This policy is successfully being used in the UK and US, so following the advice from the Deputy Medical Officer for Health, Dr Muscat, I am pleased to be updating the policy in Jersey." - Deputy Richard Renouf, Health Minister.