COVID-19 Response Level Reduced to Level 1 AMBER
26 April 2021
Press Release
COVID-19 Response Level Reduced to Level 1 AMBER
Further Tests Confirm Previously Positive Individual in Quarantine Now Negative
Key messages
- One recent arrival, who was in compulsory isolation when testing indicated a positive result for COVID-19, has subsequently tested negative for COVID-19.
- Results indicate no virus and the individual is therefore deemed to be negative.
- The Response Level has been reduced to Level 1 AMBER.
On Thursday 15 April 2021 a positive COVID-19 test result was returned following routine testing of individuals currently subject to compulsory isolation measures. As a consequence of the positive test result, the Ascension COVID-19 Response Level was escalated to Level 2 RED. This escalation was in line with the Response Level Protocol and is a precautionary measure which alerts authorities and the public to an increase in the potential level of COVID-19 risk.
As per the Georgetown Hospital protocols, subsequent tests were conducted on the individual whilst they remained under monitor from medical staff. Results from a test done on Friday 23 April 2021 indicated no virus present in the individual and they were therefore deemed to be negative.
Due to this subsequent negative test result, the Ascension COVID-19 Response Level has been reduced to Level 1 AMBER as of this afternoon.
As with the previous escalation of the Response Level in December 2020, AIG will review the Response Level Protocol in light of this escalation and will report any changes to the protocol that result from this.
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 Wednesday 14 April 2021. On Thursday 15 April a positive COVID-19 test result was returned following routine testing of individuals currently subject to compulsory isolation measures.
The result of a subsequent test conducted on Friday 23 April 2021 indicated no presence of virus in the individual. Given this negative result the Senior Medical Officer is satisfied that there is no risk to the public from this individual.
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 Public Health England and are designed to ensure that any person arriving at the island is kept separate from the general public until the Senior Medical Officer is assured that they do not pose a risk of introducing COVID-19 into the community.
Even though the individual who tested positive had not had any contact with the wider public, and therefore any potential COVID-19 was contained, the level of risk to Ascension from COVID-19 had increased and as a result the response level was raised. Following the negative test result and confirmation that the threat from COVID-19 had reduced, the response level was returned to Level 1 AMBER.
Office of the Administrator
23 April 2021
Further Information
Is it safe for this individual to be released?
The test result has been analysed by the Senior Medical Officer with the support of Public Health England. Both are satisfied that the lack of virus mean that the person in question is non-infectious. As a result, he does not pose a risk to the public.
The protocols in place in Ascension have been designed in liaison with experts in Public Health England 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.
