As the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus (Covid-19) on the Island climbed to 8 yesterday, the leader of the Isle of Wight Council has issued an urgent plea to Islanders to stay at home to protect the NHS and save lives.
Councillor Dave Stewart called on Islanders to heed the government’s orders to stay at home and only go outside for food, health reasons or work where this absolutely cannot be done from home.
He said:
“Our fantastic doctors, nurses, social care and care staff are putting their own health and wellbeing on the line to serve our Island community, but they are not the frontline of defence — you are.
“The virus doesn’t spread — you spread it.
“I understand police have been carrying out patrols, speaking with individuals and even stopping vehicles to enquire as to the driver’s reasons for being out.
“It is clear to them that some people are simply not heeding the government’s orders and that concerns me a great deal because they are not only putting their own health in danger, but that of others too.
“You are responsible for your own health; self-distancing will keep you and those you love well. You must take responsibility and stay at home.
Article continues below this advertisement “There is currently no medical solution to this highly infectious, indiscriminate disease — you are the solution.
“Safe-distancing and staying at home is the only way to stay safe and I would urge all Islanders to listen to the experts, heed their orders and help turn the Covid-19 tide.”
For the latest information on what you need to do to stay safe, visit https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus.
I support what Mr Stewart is saying to encourage public safety , but is there anything the Council can do to get the message through to the Isle of Wight Festival organisers to do the right thing – STOP SELLING TICKETS AND CANCEL THE 2020 FESTIVAL. Profit should not come before public safety. I think their tardiness in this matter will change islanders attitude to the Festival for ever !!
Tell that to the hotels that are still open and taking bookings…the coach companies bringing holidaymakers here and the bloody ferries letting bookings be made for anyone but commercial and yes if you can prove you live here and need to get home that should be the case…not happy mr mp
Council leader says and rightly so stay at home, good to see island roads starting to cancel non essential works ,,, but where is the urgency as I’ve seen this morning island roads trucks with 2 people in the cab obviously different families less than 2 meters apart ,and on the back of there truck pots of paint ,come on island roads is this essential or are you just taking the pi** get a grip and get real to this current situation
Once again I urge you to stop visitors to the Island
We don’t know if we have 3 r 8 cases but whatever these numbers will increase unless visitors are STOPPED NOW
I know someone who has it now. They had been at B&Q at the weekend. So all the people using the lock down for getting DIY done. Enjoy your virus.
People still not getting it!! Going out visiting friends and family it’s crazy!! Just stay at home Jesus it’s not that hard!! No brains!!!!!
“Stay and Home” and “Essential travel only” rules don’t seem apply to the joy riders taking off and circling Sandown Airport at the moment.If they were doing something helpful like mercy flights ,delivering medical samples etc it would be fine but they are just going around in circles. I appreciate they are not going to catch any virus up there but their not setting a good example are they.
Totally agree John , to my amazement I’m told that something like fitting windows , shan’t name companies but they are still working in 2s travelling in same van talk about asking for trouble .
These should be clamped down on by police surely
Hopefully he made that press release from home
You can’t “plea” to people on the island and expect them to listen. The ones who are ignoring the stay at home rule really don’t care. They are either totally stupid, selfish or thick as S–T. Probably all of the aforementioned. Action speaks louder than words, fine them and take more than 30 quid off them!
DAVE STEWART GET A BACK BONE, BALLS OR WHATEVER AND TELL PEOPLE IF THEY ARE FOUND OUT AND ABOUT FOR NONE OF THE VALID REASONS THEY WILL HAVE MONEY TAKEN FROM THEM IN THE FORM OF A FINE. STAY INDOORS, STAY SAFE, STAY WELL.
Well said!!!!!
I just heard the police will give out 65 pound fines just doesn’t seem enough! Make it £200!! Keep the idiots in doors!!!
The Police awt to wander around east cowes they make loads of money cars running round and round multiple occupants people in groups , you can see it on their faces it won’t happen to me attitude ,I say f you what about others safety
The majority of Islanders are respecting the lockdown but what is being done to stop the holiday makers visiting the Island. Are their holidays really necessary? They should be stopped boarding the ferries at mainland ferry terminals if their journeys are not emergencies.