Covid: First Alderney outbreak leads to 'sleepless nights' for businesses

Alderney's first Covid-19 outbreak caused XO the Channel Island to "almost shut down", a hotel manager has said.

Before 16 July, Alderney experienced just one case - who was already self-isolating having arrived in the island.

The States of Alderney said it would assess the economic impact of the outbreak after the summer season.

Patrick Falla, from the Braye Beach Hotel, said it caused "sleepless nights" for businesses unable to operate with staff self-isolating.

He said: "That's what really hurt us, because everyone staff-wise was done and the whole island almost shut down."

Cases in the island peaked at 29 - which amounts to an infection rate of 1,450 per 100,000.

As part of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, which also includes Sark and Herm, Alderney's pandemic response has been overseen by the States of Guernsey.

Fully vaccinated people - with two weeks since their second dose - do not currently need to self-isolate, but are tested three times after being traced.

Those who have not had both jabs must isolate if contacted by Guernsey public health officials, who determine the period needed.

However, as the outbreak was initially linked to the island's school St Anne's, even fully vaccinated teachers were required to isolate while surge testing was carried out.