Isle of Wight Council news: 22 December 2020
With coronavirus infection rates rising rapidly locally, Islanders are being urged to prepare for possible tougher restrictions.
Positive Covid-19 cases have risen dramatically on the Island in recent days - a pattern repeated in other Tier 1 areas.
Council leader, Dave Stewart, said residents should prepare for the possibility that the Island may move into a higher level of restrictions, perhaps from as early as Boxing Day.
Last week the government gave details of a new variant of coronavirus which led to large parts of the south east — including Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant — being placed into a new Tier 4 level of restrictions.
Councillor Stewart said: "The data suggests the new variant of the virus transmits more easily than other strains but there is currently no evidence that it is more likely to cause severe disease or mortality.
"Sadly, I fear the coronavirus variant may have already reached the Island as our new case rates are increasing rapidly.
"However, we should not be dejected if we do come under additional restrictions; sometimes you may not win every battle but can still win the war, and that’s exactly what we will aim to do as an Island community.
"We have the first of the vaccines and it is being rolled out on the Island - last week in Newport and the West Wight, this week in Ryde and Shanklin.
"We will have more access to different tests in the new year and will make sure that we make best use of them in keeping our community safe. We will also continue to support businesses so that they can operate in a Covid-secure way and get through this pandemic.
"I do not know what may happen in the coming weeks, but I remain optimistic that we can all play our part in the recovery of the Island in 2021."
In the meantime, though the Island remains in Tier 1, residents are being encouraged to follow Tier 2 (high alert) restrictions to help keep the Island safe.
Simon Bryant, the Island's director of public health, added: "We need to be mindful that infections on the Island, while still thankfully lower than in many other areas of the country, are rising and infection is spreading.
"I want to thank everyone for continuing to follow the rules which has helped to save lives. If you do have symptoms, please immediately get a Covid-19 test and self-isolate.
"It is even more important that we observe the guidelines of hands-face-space-ventilate even more closely than before."
For further information on coronavirus on the Island, visit keeptheislandsafe.org
 To help keep the Island safe, residents are being encouraged to stay local to stay safe this Christmas.
New government guidance announced on 19 December states that Christmas bubbles will now be allowed for Christmas Day only, not for the previously scheduled five-day period.
Simon Bryant, the council's director of public health, said: "We still need to be very cautious with our behaviour on Christmas Day as cases on the Island are rising rapidly.
"New government guidance is for everyone in all tiers to stay local as much as possible over the Christmas period.
"If you have to travel to a Tier 2 (high alert) area, follow Tier 2 restrictions — avoid travel to Tier 3 and 4 areas."
Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant were among the areas to move into stricter Tier 4 restrictions amid a surge in a new, more infectious strain of coronavirus.
People in those areas must stay at home, cannot join or form a Christmas bubble and must not leave or be outside their home except for specific purposes.
The regulations set out very clearly that people should not travel to or from a Tier 4 area apart from very limited exemptions, such as for work, education or to attend medical appointments.
Mr Bryant said it was vital everyone maintained their guard and continued to follow the rules. He also asked people to think carefully about food shopping and don't make it a family outing.
He added: "We have government guidance and regulations but it is the responsibility of each and every one of us to keep each other safe.
"Just because you can does not mean you should and remember, one in three people do not display symptoms but can still pass it on.
"Please, for the safety of the Island, do not flout the rules or bend them to suit what you want to do. I know that this is a lot to ask and it is hard for people who want to see friends and family over the festive break.
"Christmas and new year will be different this year — but then this whole year has been different. Keep Christmas smaller and local and remain safe."
For further information on coronavirus on the Island, visit keeptheislandsafe.org
 Drastic changes to the Christmas bubbling system in England have been announced by the Prime Minister in response to a new fast spreading variant of the coronavirus.
People across all tiers will not now be allowed to meet people in Christmas bubbles over five days as previously announced.
The Christmas bubbling system – where you can meet with people from two other households – now only applies to Christmas Day (25 December).
In addition those in the newly announced Tier 4 are not allowed to meet with anyone outside of their household and cannot form a Christmas bubble.
The council is reminding everyone that the rules on forming and using a Christmas bubble are law. People must follow them to minimise the spread of infection.
There are four key rules:
- You can only be in one Christmas bubble.
- You can only form a Christmas bubble with two other households.
- You can't change your Christmas bubble.
- No-one in Tier 4 can be included in a Christmas bubble.
To help keep the Island safe, the council has produced a helpful video to explain the government rules in full.
 If you need help or support over the festive period, someone will be available to listen, to empathise and reassure.
Support is available 24 hours a day across the entire festive season – including Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.
Useful numbers:
- Coronavirus helpline: (01983) 823600
- 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.
 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 22 December 2020 including data up to 20 December 2020.
The graphic shows:
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1,132 - 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.
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79 - The number of positive cases in the seven-day period.
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55.7 - 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.
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