COVID-19 Response Level Remains at Level 2 ORANGE

One positive individual currently in compulsory isolation

Key messages

• One positive individual has been identified during routine testing of persons observing compulsory isolation.
• The three previously positive individuals are now negative and have been released from quarantine.
• The Response Level remains at Level 2 ORANGE.

On Saturday 25 June, an individual observing compulsory isolation measures returned a positive COIVD-19 test result during routine testing of persons under quarantine.

As the individual was observing compulsory isolation within a bubble, they have been placed into individual isolation and will have their conditions monitored by medical staff.

The three individuals that previously provided positive test results on Sunday 19 June have since returned successive negative results and have been granted permission to exit compulsory isolation. Although the three individuals have provided negative results, due to the additional positive result identified on Saturday 25 June the Response Level remains at Level 2 ORANGE.

Under Level 2 ORANGE measures, public venues and facilities remain open. As it is expected that the introduction of COVID-19 into the wider community has not occurred, this escalation is a precautionary measure and serves to ensure that a higher level of alertness is observed by authorities on the island and the general public.

Members of the public should continue to practise good cough and hand hygiene, and be alert to the development of any potential COVID-19 symptoms.

When additional testing confirms negative results and the Senior Medical Officer is satisfied that there is no longer a COVID-19 presence on the island, the Response Level will return to Level 1 AMBER.

Further information regarding this matter will be made available to the public in the coming days.

As ever, anyone who develops a new persistent dry cough, a fever or experiences unexpected shortness of breath should go home, self-isolate and telephone Georgetown Hospital on 66252 for further advice.

Background

The individual in question had arrived at Ascension on Thursday 23 June on a flight from the USA. They had previously returned negative COVID-19 test results on arrival at the island. As with all persons under group quarantine, they were subject to testing during their isolation period.

The result of this test was positive. The individual currently has mild symptoms and is otherwise well.

As they were observing compulsory isolation in a bubble, the other persons in that bubble will now also remain under quarantine and observation by medical staff.

The staff at Georgetown Hospital remain in constant liaison with experts in the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to ensure that the individuals who tested positive receive appropriate support. Further testing will take place over the coming days to monitor their levels of infection.

This is a scenario that AIG had planned and prepared for. Robust measures for effectively managing arrivals to Ascension have been in place throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. These protocols have been developed in liaison with experts from the UKHSA and are designed to ensure that any person arriving at the island is kept separate from the general public until the Senior Medical Officer can be assured that they do not pose a risk of introducing COVID-19 into the community.

As a result, the individual who tested positive has not had any contact with the wider public. Authorities are therefore confident that the virus has been effectively contained and so has not been spread to others in the community.