Scrutiny calls urgent hearing following rise in Covid-19 cases

15th July 2021

A group of Scrutiny politicians led by the Safer Travel Guidelines Review Panel have called for an urgent public hearing with the Chief Minister and the Minister for Health and Social Services following the most recent public health announcements which aim to mitigate the sharp rise in Covid-19 cases. The hearing will take place at 6pm today, Thursday 15 July, and will be broadcast live using Microsoft Teams here.

The Panel and fellow Scrutiny members have serious concerns about the strategy for mitigating the rise in cases which the Island is now experiencing, the clarity of the public messages and the transparency and leadership of Ministers.

Safer Travel Guidelines Review Panel Chair, Deputy Rob Ward, said: "It is vital that we seek answers about the current circumstances and the Ministerial decision-making of the last few weeks. The significant rise in Covid-19 cases since the beginning of July is having widespread repercussions in our community, our schools and on the provision of services.

"We want to be very clear about the strategy which Ministers have pursued to arrive at the situation that the Island is now in, the direction that they are taking now and what expert advice they are acting on to safeguard the best interests of all Islanders."

The hearing will also request information on the challenges faced by the test and trace service and the potential further pressure on health care and the General Hospital. 

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