Isle of Wight Council news: 16 December 2020
 We've launched a new initiative for voluntary and community organisations to extend the help they provide to families and individuals who are facing hardship because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Working with community, voluntary and charity partners the second phase of 'connect4communities' aims to support people, primarily families with children over the winter.
Voluntary and third sector organisations are being encouraged to get involved with connect4communities and apply for grants online. These funds will help those in need with food, energy and water bills and essential items such as warm clothing, bedding or slow cookers - for households who do not have basic cooking facilities.
People who need further support over the Christmas period on the Island should contact the ‘Help Through Crisis team’ at Citizens Advice IW on 01983 823859 during business hours or apply on the Islehelp.me website.
The ‘connect4communities’ programme will be delivered across the Island through a range of sources including schools and voluntary groups. Support includes:
- food vouchers;
- vouchers/payment cards for fuel, energy and water bills;
- expanding the Christmas school holiday support, for the school holidays in 2021 to include providing a daily hot meal and fun, educational activities/playschemes;
- supporting organisations to help vulnerable households through community grants;
- a connect4communities online directory for residents to search by postcode to find where they may be able to access financial and other support and subsidised food.
 If you need help or support over the festive period, someone will be available to listen, to empathise and reassure.
Each of these helplines will be operational 24 hours a day across the entire festive season – including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
- Coronavirus helpline: 01983 832600
- Samaritans: 01983 116123
- NHS 111
- Mountbatten's Keep Connected helpline (offers friendly volunteers who can share your troubles and experiences): 01983 217297.
Local community hubs, local organisations and national charities are also providing support during this time. Check the Community Action IW website to find out where
local support is available and when during the festive season.
No matter when, you will not be alone.
For those who have friends and family Christmas bubbles – please check on your neighbours or other people you know who may not have their own bubble.
 Guide to self-isolation
The self-isolation period has changed to ten days.
If you have been told to self-isolate you must not return to work or school. This applies even if you receive a negative test result during your isolation period.
Please see the flow chart above for more information.
When must I self-isolate?
You must start self-isolating for ten days if:
- you have symptoms of COVID-19;
- you have had a test and are awaiting your COVID-19 test results;
- you have been told by NHS Test and Trace that you’ve been in contact with a person with COVID-19;
- someone you live with or someone in your support bubble has tested positive for COVID-19;
- you are returning from a country that is not on the government’s travel corridor list.
Get tested if you develop symptoms during self-isolation
If during your ten days' self-isolation you start to experience symptoms of COVID-19 you must book a test immediately and start your self-isolation period again.
If the test comes back negative, you must complete your initial ten day self-isolation period.
Be prepared
- Make plans for food shopping and medicines
- Arrange for someone to walk your dog.
If you receive a positive test, help the NHS to trace your contacts. You should inform your close contacts straight away and advise them to self-isolate.
Keep the Island safe
Please remember to stick within the guidelines of hands – face – space.
Today (Wednesday 16 December) we are in Tier 1 (medium risk) and up to six people can meet inside with the ‘rule of six’. Remember to keep to social distancing.
It’s also good practice to open your windows and ventilate your home – especially if you are meeting with others inside.
 These are the latest published COVID-19 stats for the Isle of Wight, from Public Health England.
You can read the full COVID-19 data report on our website.
The graphic shows the COVID-19 statistics for the Isle of Wight, published by Public Health England on 14 December 2020 including data up to 13 December 2020.
The graphic shows:
-
1,026 - The number of confirmed cases to date of Island residents who have received a positive COVID-19 test result since March 2020. This is based on the residential address of the person tested rather than where they are registered with a GP.
-
16 - The number of positive cases in the seven-day period.
-
11.3 - Weekly cases per 100,000. This is the number of Island residents who have received a positive COVID-19 test result in the seven-day period, divided by the total population of the Island.
It is vital we all continue to follow the government guidelines during national restrictions: hands, face, space.
- Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser regularly.
- Wear a face-covering where appropriate.
- Keep space from other people; two metres or at least one metre apart.
 Please continue to support local Island businesses, make good choices and help to #KeepTheIslandSafe by shopping safely this festive season.
Thank you to all our local Island shops and businesses for their hard work in maintaining COVID-19 guidelines, you’re really helping to keep our community safe.
Watch our video on how to enjoy safer festive shopping across the Island.
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