A devastating blow has been dealt to Islanders and Island businesses alike as the easing of lockdown restrictions has been delayed by another 4 weeks – to Monday 19th July.
The Prime Minister has blamed the Delta variant of COVID-19 for pushing back ‘Freedom Day’, which would have seen legal restrictions lifted in full for the first time since March 2020 on 21st June – just 7 days away. It was only 2 weeks ago that Boris said he could see no reason to deviate from the unlocking roadmap, giving hope of a June unlocking.
Today’s news means that Island businesses will have to continue operating at reduced capacity and with other restrictions such as face masks and table service in place, which will no doubt bring dread to business owners who are just about covering their overheads. It now seems likely that businesses will have just 6 weeks to make the most of the summer trade before kids go back to school in September.
The Isle of Wight remains one of the safest places in the country in terms of the COVID-19 pandemic, with very few cases present and almost no deaths or hospitalisations. With this in mind, for residents – especially those double vaccinated – the news of yet another extension to lockdown will be all the more frustrating.
Vaccination will open to 23 and 24-year-olds from tomorrow (Tuesday), it has been announced.
There is no doubt that more events will now be cancelled. However, there is good news for those looking to get married as the limit of 30 people has been lifted, as long as social distancing remains in place. This rule applies to wakes too.
Freedom Day pushed back to 19th July – Key Points:
- Restrictions may be lifted sooner following a review on 28th June
- Over 40s will now receive their second jab after 8 weeks not 12
- Vaccinations open to 23 and 24-year-olds from tomorrow
- All Over 18s should receive at least 1 vaccine dose by 19th July
- Rule of 6 to remain in place both in private homes and in businesses
- Social distancing and face masks still required
- Hospitality still restricted to table service and the rule of 6
- Cinemas, theatres and other indoor entertainment limited to 50% capacity
- Outdoor gatherings remain limited to 30 people
- Islanders to remain working from home as the default
- Nightclubs to remain closed
For many there is confusion as to why any restrictions remain in place with over 41,5million people vaccinated across the UK – almost 30million of which have received both doses of the COVID vaccine. For months the country was told that the race was on to protect the NHS and protect those over 50 – but now it seems the Government are set on vaccinating everyone before lifting restrictions – with no guarantee that life will return to normal on 19th July.
Nationally, just 3 deaths have been recorded in the past 24 hours.
Boris your pants are on fire..
Why is it frustrating, it is sensible to do this. Just because the island is safe, doesn’t mean the rest of the country is. Oh I can’t wait to hear the responses from the non believers, and the oh so picked on pub landlords / ladies… maybe if the could control drunk customers better, they might be able to have opened sooner. Drink and social distancing not a good mix really.
Good decision from Boris.
Very well said. Excellent post.
Couldn’t agree more.
We only remain safe up until now as movement was restricted.
Looking at the national news there are restrictions on travel outside their area for people who live in the North West – but that won’t stop them coming on holiday.
The rules are so confusing and I guess folk are now doing what they like.
So true, I’ve been trying to do my best but hard to know. And social distancing is hard when people walk past you from behind brushing past you. Like they want full lock down to return.
The Greens say this (and they’re right):
“Incompetent PM tells us to be “cautious” – conveniently forgetting to add we’re making up for *his* lack of caution when he delayed putting India on red list for 3 weeks in April so he [could] visit for trade talks – he is responsible for what was avoidable but is now a necessary delay”
Devastating ! really !
Sensible we say
How is that devastating?
Most normal responsible people will welcome it.
Hahaha sad muppets
any excuse to deny people their fundamental human rights – we knew that a sudden excuse would present itself to ensure that those clowns get to hold onto control just that bit longer – the tin foil hat brigade must be loving it.
What control ? trying to stop people doing stupid things. And fundamental human rights, dont get me started on that.. Half the terrorists that have been in this country are here because of that. ruling. There seems to be clowns still thinking the virus doesn’t exist. Stop attention seeking.
know it all – you haven’t a clue..
take away freedoms on a virus that has a 99.98% survival rate, globally and then only give a bit back if you agree to be injected with a vaccine that isn’t even out of phase 3 trials and has no long term safety data available.
this virus has been around society now, since december 2019 and if you are fine now, then you do not need any vaccine – sheep doing the governments bidding.
Well said. 100% agree!
My mother died in September and ive witnessed others realy suffering, and i haven’t a clue. MORON !!!!!
She didn’t die from Covid you idiot.
Absolutely unnecessary and disgraceful. We all know that Bozo is an utter liar, he wouldn’t know the truth if it bit him in the face, but this is a new low even for him. The symptoms of the Delta variant? A headache and a runny nose! Well, let’s all go into lockdown again quick. What a joke.
I’m afraid paul on the brain washed fearmongered sheep reply on here.truth hurts them and red thumbs come flying.all so stupid unfor.jabbed for holding off again?ludicrous
Buffoon Boris IS A LIER… HE HAS constantly moved goal posts!
sheeple, please wake up.vulnerables been protected but still they won’t let go
For God’s sake, if you must rant can you at least use a dictionary please!
Us and the rest of the Country. It was to be expected and unfortunately does make good sense.
Well we all saw this coming. This clown is inventing variants faster than the Chinese ever could. Next up the Irish variant which keeps Dublin and Dublin.
I am ashamed to be part of our nation because of the fact idiots aren’t awake. Just unbelievable how naive some of us are. The fact the majority of people on the island (not the rest of the world) think this is serious is a big problem.
Seeing as bojo and all his cronies at the g7 did not follow any of these rules .I won’t be either .total crock .
As we are now recording more new cases than anywhere in Europe, including Turkey, this seems to be an appropriate measure. Better for someone to lose their job than someone to lose their life. The ‘Delta’ variant that is causing us all the problems originated in India. Had we banned travel to and from India when the variant was first identified in March, rather than wait until late April, it is likely that we could have avoided this.
Mixed views and no doubt open to controversy but at least licensed venues are operating, albeit at a restricted capacity but surely better than a potential complete closure?
No surprise at all. With infection rates rising on a daily basis, this Delta strain could easily cause many more deaths if left unchecked. Should have closed the border to and from India many months ago!
Yes, we should have closed the border earlier, you cant blame people from that area from wanting to get out, however we now have to cope with the result. Government too slow to act again !
Seems like a lot of people on here would happily wear a muzzle indefinitely, & welcome social restrictions for the foreseeable future…. God help us!
Face mask / covering is not a muzzle. A muzzle is designed to stop dangerous animals from attacking or biting others. My god your thick.
…. Also used for sheep!
As cases are increasing it makes sence to continue with the present rules. If the rules were thrown out and more people started to die. would the whingers who complain about the continuation untill July, Like to be the ones explaining to the families of the dead. But we wanted to go out and play, please grow up
Very well said !, about time some people on here talked common sense
Cases were obviously going to increase when pubs, restaurants, bars and theatres were allowed to open again in mid-may. This is simply the knock on effect of that and is no cause to panic and no reason to delay lifting all restrictions. Only the fear mongers want restrictions to remain.
lol. extroverts be trippy
The last time there were this many deaths was every year for the last 20 years..
All the covidiots will be moaning but it is their behaviour that has made this happen. Seriously, who is it that thinks it’s a good idea to go on holiday during a pandemic!
A covidiot is someone who believes all the hype.
Remember in March when he said it was just a 3 week lockdown to “flatten the curve” just shows you how utterly clueless and out of his depth he is. Wake up.