COVID-19: update on the health situation

COVID-19: update on the health situation and measures that will apply for the new year and start of the new school term

In light of the increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in recent days, as highlighted in the daily health report, and to support the hospital, where the situation is gradually worsening, the Prince’s Government, following consultation with the National Council, has decided to introduce a series of measures to limit the spread of the virus while enabling the new year to be celebrated against the background of a positive economic and social situation. These measures will also facilitate the best possible conditions for the new school term, through encouraging people to get tested and vaccinated.

• Encouraging vaccination

Although 66,000 vaccinations have been administered in the Principality and 66.7% of the resident population eligible for vaccination (those aged 12 years or older) have received a full course, this rate is not sufficient following the arrival of the Omicron variant.

This variant is spreading extremely quickly in Europe, and so it is vital and urgent to protect yourself and others. In addition, we remind readers that the patients in critical condition at Princess Grace Hospital (intensive care) are people who have not been vaccinated.

• Measures for 31 December

With regard to New Year’s Eve on 31 December, the Sovereign Prince is keen that the end-of-year celebrations should go ahead to maintain economic and social activities, however some measures will be in place during the festivities to limit the spread of the virus:

• No gatherings of more than 10 people on public streets
• Alcohol may not be consumed on public streets
• No dancing or karaoke is permitted in venues
• No eating or drinking while standing

Restaurants and bars remain open and there is no curfew in place at this stage.

However, there will be a ban on selling alcohol to take away from 8 pm onwards, and there will be no celebrations of the new year on Place du Casino or Port Hercule.

Additionally, all musical entertainment must end by 1 am.

It is vital that people act sensibly and continue to comply with barrier measures.

• Measures for the return to school

From Monday 3 January, two major initiatives will be introduced to combat the spread of the virus:

1. On the first day of term, each pupil will find a self-test on their desk: 

Between now and the start of term, all parents will be sent a message by the Department of Education, Youth and Sport informing them of the introduction of this screening initiative which is voluntary and subject to the receipt of signed parental approval.

These will be rapid self-tests. They use nasopharyngeal samples, but are non-invasive and easy to use. They have been recommended by paediatricians and consist of a small sponge that is inserted just inside the nostrils.

This initiative will also be open to all school staff.

2. Self-tests for employees will also be offered to all employers who want them: 

50,000 self-tests have been ordered for employees and, much like the process by which the Government made masks available, employers can access these tests via an online service.

The aim is to ensure that people who have COVID-19 are quickly identified and supported to rapidly break chains of infection and get the year off to a good start.

• Use of health pass extended

From 10 January, the health pass will be extended to cover certain sectors of the economy where there is close and prolonged contact with customers.

These include the construction, beauty (cosmetic services, hairdressing), tattooing and sports sectors.

In practical terms, staff and customers within these sectors will need to show a health pass.