Following the rise in cases of Covid-19 in the island, the Jersey Football Association has put together the below information which we hope clubs will find useful in the event of a positive test, or someone with symptoms, at the club.

The following document, produced by the Jersey Football Association, provides local clubs with guidance about the action to take in the event of a positive Covid-19 case being discovered or suspected.

What if one of our players tests positive for Covid-19?

If a player tests positive they must, from that point, self-isolate (or if they have symptoms, from the moment of symptoms) in line with Government of Jersey guidelines.

The Track and Trace team will begin the process of contacting anyone that has potentially been in close contact with the player for a length of time, for example if they shared a long drive to training or sat together in the clubhouse after a game but chose not to observe physical distancing requirements.

The club can carry on with training and matches as normal, but must be mindful to ensure guidelines are strictly followed on physical distancing, hand washing, equipment sanitising etc. If the Contact Tracing team contacts the club, they must provide the required details, and if deemed anyone needs to isolate then they should do so.

Clubs are reminded of the need to keep records of attendees at all training sessions, matches and other club events. Participants are also encouraged to download the Jersey Covid Alert app.

This process would also apply to anyone else within the club who has tested positive.

What happens if I have played an opposition team and one of their players tests positive for Covid-19?

Football in Jersey is classed as a “fleeting contact” sport, rather than “close contact” so no action is needed unless individuals have chosen not to follow physical distancing guidelines or are displaying symptoms.

Anyone showing symptoms must self-isolate from that point, as per Government of Jersey guidance.

A player has had Covid-19 but has recovered – can they play, and do they need a negative test first?

As long as the player is fully recovered then it would be fine for them to play, without a negative test, as long as they have finished the specified self-isolation period. However, the player should follow advice from a medical professional on when is best to return to exercise. They should not rush back if they do not feel well enough.

What happens if a player, parent or coach shows Covid-19 symptoms just before, during or after a match?

All players, officials, volunteers and spectators must undergo a self-assessment for any Covid-19 symptoms before they leave home. No one should leave home to participate in football if they, or someone they live with, has any of the following:

• A high temperature (above 37.8C);
• A new, continuous cough;
• A loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste.

If a participant becomes Covid-19 symptomatic during the activity, they should return home as soon as possible (for youth players, see answer below). The matches or sessions can continue as long as guidelines are closely followed. Government of Jersey guidance on further management of symptoms should be followed.

If an individual becomes symptomatic post an activity, they must follow the Test and Trace process in Jersey.

No one should participate in any fixture or training session if they feel it is unsafe to do so.

What should we do if one of our youth or minis players shows symptoms of Covid-19 at training or a match?

The coach or manager should isolate the child and make arrangements to send them home.

A single designated room, or if possible, an outside area, should be provided as a defined contamination zone and the child should be kept there until they are picked up. Where possible, open windows to increase ventilation.

Call the parent or guardian, or nearest family member, to arrange collection. Coaches and managers should have contact details of the parents/guardians of all players. The parent or guardian should call the Coronavirus hotline on 01534 445566 as soon as possible.  In an emergency, call 999.

Those attending to the sick person should wear PPE before entering any contaminated zone and remain in PPE until they leave. The area should be cleaned and disinfected before being used by anyone else.

If a child has symptoms, the club does not need to inform other parents that a child is symptomatic.

If the child receives a negative PCR test result, they should be advised to stay at home until they feel better. If there is a confirmed case (positive PCR test) then the contact tracing process will start.

Clubs are reminded they should be keeping a record, with contact details, of those who attend training, matches and other events.

Who should we contact if someone has symptoms of Covid-19 or we have further questions about what to do?

You should call the Coronavirus Helpline on 01534 445566