Governor and wife test positive

Governor Martyn Roper and his wife Lissie have tested positive for Covid-19 but both are only suffering mild symptoms.

On Tuesday, the Governor announced via social media that he had contracted the virus, stating he tested positive for Covid on Good Friday following his wife testing positive a few days earlier.

“I’m pleased to say that other than some generally mild symptoms (a sore throat, slightly stuffy nose), we are both doing well and feeling fine,” he reassured the public.

Mr Roper said without their booster shots things could have been a lot worse.

“The vaccinations the UK provided have helped many across our islands avoid serious illness and even worse, saving countless precious lives,” he confirmed, and went on to urge people who have not yet been vaccinated or not received their booster, to go ahead and get their vaccinations as soon as they could.

“It could make all the difference to your health,” he said.

The Governor reminded the public that a fourth booster dose was also available to anyone over the age of 18 who received their third shot more than six months ago, the details of which are on the HSA website (https://www.hsa.ky/public-health/coronavirus/).

“The health experts tell us that a fourth dose can also protect against infection from the new Omicron variant BA2 whereas six months after the booster, there is little protection from infection (but the vaccines/boosters do continue to provide strong protection against serious illness or death),” the Governor said.

While positive for Covid, the Governor was working from home and attended the National Trust Conference via Zoom. He was also undertaking Teams meetings with the Police Commissioner and numerous other telephone calls. Mr Roper said he and his wife hoped to be released from isolation in the next few days.