Testing and isolation arrangements for private boat owners arriving in the Bailiwick from 14 May 2021

Press Release issued by the States of Guernsey 7 May 2021:

With effect from 14 May 2021 travellers arriving in the Bailiwick from a category 2 country or region will be able to take a test on arrival and, subject to a negative result, will be in passive follow up until day 14 with an additional COVID-19 test on day 7.

It is anticipated that this further easing of border restrictions will see an increase in private boat owners travelling between the Bailiwick, Jersey and category 2 regions of the UK.

As private boat owners are not constrained by set travel schedules (other than the tides) a temporary testing tent is being erected on the Hammerhead of the Crown Pier to enable travellers to access the tent for COVID-19 tests on arrival from the swan pontoons.

Ahead of the 14 May some preparatory works are required as follows:
• Monday 10 May 2021 – up to 20 2-hour parking spaces will be suspended until further notice and work will start to erect the testing facility.

• Tuesday 11 May 2021 – there is the potential for a limited number of spaces to be returned for use once the temporary tent is erected.

• Between Wednesday 12 and Friday 14 May all equipment and associated signage, CCTV, etc will be installed and tested as required.

• Friday 14 May 2021 – The testing facility will become operational to welcome visitor boats and those belonging to Bailiwick residents arriving in St Peter Port from outside of the Bailiwick. Boat owners arriving in Alderney will be tested on arrival at Braye Harbour.

Full details of the self-isolation and testing arrangements for private boat holders (including the opening hours of the testing centre on the Crown Pier) can be found here, along with an infographic detailing the process.

Traffic and Highway Services said: ‘We welcome the fact that Guernsey Harbours has agreed for a section of un/loading area along the Castle Emplacement that equates to approximately 8 car parking
spaces to revert to public parking to help mitigate the impact of these facilities being installed on the Crown Pier.

The requirement for the testing facility to be introduced also coincides with seasonal parking change at South Esplanade whereby about 20 public parking spaces have recently reverted to 2-hour disc parking from 10 hour for the summer season. This, together with the absence of cruise liner visits not impacting short-term parking availability on the Albert Pier, will help to ensure that ‘shopper’ spaces are maintained at or around current levels. However, Traffic and Highway Services will continue to monitor the provision of short-term parking in Town during these unprecedented times.’  Ends

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