2 people have sadly died from coronavirus on the Isle of Wight, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust has confirmed this afternoon (Saturday).
The 2 victims are said to be a man in his 70s and a man in his 80s. Both had underlying health conditions.
Island Echo understands 1 of the victims is a much-loved husband, father and grandfather from East Cowes. He was admitted to St Mary’s Hospital at the start of the week and was placed into isolation. Tragically, his breathing deteriorated early on Wednesday morning and he quickly succumbed to the deadly virus without his family by his side.
Alistair Flowerdew, Medical Director at Isle of Wight NHS Trust, has said:
“Two patients have sadly died at St Mary’s Hospital having had laboratory confirmed positive test results for COVID-19.
“The two men were in their 70s and 80s and both had underlying health conditions.
“Their families have been informed and our thoughts and deepest condolences are with them at this difficult and distressing time.”
Island Echo first asked the Trust about one of the deaths 2 days ago but a statement has only just been issued this afternoon (Saturday) due to the formal processes that needed to be completed.
In a sobering message, one family member has said:
“We are all devastated at how quickly he died… Please stay at home, don’t take any chances. Nobody is invulnerable”.
Bob Seely MP said:
“Our thoughts will be with the friends and family of the two men who have passed away. This sad incident is a reminder to us all of the potentially fatal effects of this virus. I urge all Islanders to continue to follow the health guidelines to reduce the likelihood of more deaths on the Island. By doing so we will reduce infections on the Island and keep Islanders safe and there will be fewer fatalities.
“I would like to reiterate our deep thanks to the NHS staff on the Island.”
Councillor Dave Stewart, leader of the Isle of Wight Council, said:
“I am so sorry to hear that two Island residents have died at St Mary’s Hospital having tested positive for coronavirus. My sincere sympathies to their friends and families.
“I would implore everyone on the Isle of Wight to follow government instructions to stay at home, protect the NHS and ultimately save lives.
“We’ve lost two members of our community already; staying at home and only travelling if totally essential – for food, medication or to work if you absolutely cannot work from home – will help to control the spread of this virus, it will protect you, your family, those you care about and our wider community.”
Official figures from Public Health England show that there are a total of 8 confirmed cases of coronavirus on the Isle of Wight as of 27th March. 2 people have died locally. Nationally, 17,089 people have tested positive for COVID-19 with 1,019 deaths recorded as of 14:00 this afternoon.
RIP xxxx
RIP, XXX. Yes,Yes, we all hear and understand the message but the problem is that some Island companies continue to stay open and we are therefore FORCED to go to work !
Vestas, GKN, Neutrik, Pascal to name just a few!!!!!!
Deepest sincere condolences to the families of these men.
As was said, no-one is immune, please do not take any chances. Stay home. Stay safe.
Such sad news my sincere thoughts are with both families. God bless
So sad thoughts go out to both their families at this very sad time
My deepest sympathies go to these poor families.
We are being told stay at home.
We are being forced to go out because we cannot get an online food delivery.
My husband is 77 and is supposedly in the vulnerable category.
I cannot drive because of an eye condition that has destroyed my peripheral vision.
Why on earth have the Council and Bob Sealy allowed so many unnecessary people come here from the mainland.
We have a holiday annex.
We have ourselves cancelled all our lettings for the rest of this year to try and keep the people on the island safe.
What chance do we have when the people with the power to stop it let it continue.
It’s absolutely hypocritical contradiction by the powers that be.
It can’t be a coincidence that our cases of Covid19 have escalated in the last weeks the same time cars and caravans have been seen coming off the ferries.
It’s mind boggling.
Once again my deepest sympathy for these families.
Such a tragic and unnecessary loss.
We was in our local shop on saturday and there was holiday makers buying crates of Beer…and not giving a dam..and then you have the 2nd home owners in cowes (Waitrose)..down for the weekend..crazy shit the ferries to the public.
Condolences to both of the families whos relatives have very sadly passed away. RIP.
How devastating for the families. Very sad news. RIP
People please abide by the Government rules and restrictions, going out costs lives and puts a further strain on the NHS.
Stay safe all.
Condolences to both families. X
Bless them … so sad, my heartfelt sympathies to these gentlemen’s families.
Condolences to the families. Please start taking this seriously. With an ageing population we are likely to have a higher rate of fatalities. Look after your elderly neighbours. STAY AT HOME
How sad is this just goes to show we need to work harder and together to try to beat this god bless everyone x
No one should be allowed to come to the island that don’t live here. We have one hospital it can’t cope with anyone else bringing the virus her stop them now. Please save us
Some people have family over there too. Some people have more than 1 home also. I get that.
People who have moved away from the island to the mainland do not want to purposefully come back to ‘So-Called’ infect you. The Virus is everywhere and could have just as easily been picked up from an island resident who travelled to Southampton or Portsmouth say, for shopping reasons, a night out or perhaps specialised Medical treatments that st Mary’s may not have been able to offer and then taken it back with them. It’s not just ‘oveners’ taking it to the island. I offer My Condolences and sympathies to the family and friends of the two Gentlemen. PLEASE STAY IN DOORS EVERYONE!
Some people need to work on the mainland and travel for work even in the current climate
So maybe mr Sealy should now look at trying to stop these ferries & only use them for Freight & essential travel to stop the movement of people to there second homes
Stop being a knob
God bless both families rip
So sad
Such sad news sending condolences to the families of both gentlemen
I’m sure that every Islander reading this sad news will be joining me and others here already in sending sympathy and warmest thoughts to the families of both these elderly gentlemen….. also wishing those that are currently becoming ill with this dreadful virus a very swift recovery. xx
Very sad for those families , let’s hope there’s not many more !
Deepest sympathies to family & friends. So sad! X
Very sad my thoughts are with the famiex
how sad
So sad ,
Condolences to the 2 family’s!
Please everyone stay safe and stay at home!!
This is serious!! xx
Sad news feel for the family for needless passing
Maybe now they will shut the ferrys down and only alow sailings with artic trailers to supply the island.
We are an island it should never have been allowed to get on the island we had loads of warning.
impossible gordon – key workers need to commute and they can easily bring it back with them.
Totally agree and health workers.Who will have nhs proofor carers who have proof.Emailed red funnel,no reply,emailed our mp,who is very concerned,but is relying on people to abide by the new laws,phoned police who said it wasn’t their problem and then cut off my phone call.Un believable that no one wants to listen.
Oh sorry,and feel for those who have lost loved ones.Sad
No one is invincible please please listen to the message from these two gentleman’s family
Stay in doors
Condolences to thier families thoughts and prayers are with all of them
Sad so sad, rip
Am so terribly sorry.
LóVe Huge Sympathy for your tragic loss.
Sincerely.
Mry Shinnick & Family.
Cowes.
So so sad . Thinking of the families at this dreadful time . R.I.P. gentlemen with the Angels .
Sad, RIP. However if you look at the stats thousands die every year from underlying conditions exacerbated by seasonal illnesses. In reality these 2 sadly deceased gentlemen probably didn’t die if Wuhan flu, but of the original underlying illness which was exacerbated by it. Beer careful out there but let’s not loose a sense of proportion.
As a mainlander and regular holiday maker who has family on the Island I don’t think any non residents should be allowed onto the island. You must keep your residents safe. Lovely people who I want to meet again.
Let us all pray for the people on the front line trying to help everyone they can. And for all that are suffering because of the virus. We need gods help more today than ever.
RIP to both of the gentlemen
But there aren’t only 8 confirmed cases of it, everyone at the hospital has been told to keep quiet!
R.i.p condolences to the familys
God bless.x
Agree with many others..so many non essential firms staying open..they have been named and should be ashamed of themselves putting so many at risk and making a mockery of what the rest of us are trying to do..stay safe…put people before profit for once you greedy selfish companies who appear to be bullying the workforces..
Condolences to the Family, me and my family moved to the island in November and we are grateful to be part of the community, we’ve been self isolating especially me working in Central London I cannot put in words how supportive my neighbours and the members are to each other and personally….lets stay safe and protect each other. Emily amazing human being and neighbour local taxis and shops just grateful to be part of the island community.
RIP gentlemen. So sad you had to suffer. Sincere condolences to your families. NHS under tremendous strain but doing a wonderful caring job looking after people.