“This is not a cause to panic, but It is a cause for caution” – that’s the message from Simon Bryant, director of public health at the Isle of Wight Council, following the first recorded case of the Indian variant of coronavirus on the Island.
The Isle of Wight is 1 of 127 local authority areas where the ‘variant of concern’ (VOC) has now been detected, and it is likely that it will be present in all local authority areas in the future.
However, deaths remain low with 3 recorded nationally and there are assurances that the current vaccine does protect individuals from the Indian variant.
Today’s news comes as it is announced more than 70% of the UK adult population have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, with 40% having received both. Locally, more than 90,000 people have received at least 1 jab.
Mr Bryant is reassuring residents that the situation on the Island is being managed appropriately and robustly. Where a VOC occurs, Public Health England’s Local Health Protection Team ensures there is swift follow up, with any close contacts asked to self-isolate and further, precautionary testing offered.
Mr Bryant has said he will not reveal the specific location or comment further on the circumstances due to the risk of identification.
“While we wouldn’t usually comment on an isolated case such as this, given the level of concern expressed locally, we felt it was important to reassure residents that the situation was managed appropriately.
“I understand people will be concerned about this new variant. We know that the numbers of cases of this variant are increasing across the country, but it is important to emphasise that there is currently no evidence that this variant causes more serious illness, or that the vaccine provides less protection against it.
Article continues below this advertisement “What we do know is that this variant spreads easily — which is why we need everyone to continue with the behaviours that we know stop the transmission of the virus.
“Get vaccinated when it’s your turn. Continue to test regularly when you don’t have symptoms; this can stop you unknowingly passing on the virus to others. Self-isolate and get a test at Newclose if you get symptoms.
“It’s vitally important that we continue to wear face masks where required unless you are exempt, to keep on washing your hands regularly and keep two metres away from anyone not in your household.
“We’re all enjoying more freedom following the relaxation of some rules this week, but I would advise meeting outdoors where possible. If meeting indoors then open the windows and the doors – this simple action will make a big difference.
“Just doing one thing isn’t going to work. We all need to play our part, work together and continue to follow the guidelines. Our behaviour can help stop the spread.”
The key symptoms associated with an infection of B.1.617.2 are the same as the Kent variant:
- A new, persistent cough.
- A high temperature.
- The loss of taste or smell.
Mr Bryant added:
“This is not a cause for panic, but it is a cause for caution and a reminder we can’t let down our guard.
“The best way to protect against the virus – and all its variants – is to continue following the public health advice – which remains the same for us all, whether we have been vaccinated or not: ‘Hands, face, space and fresh air’, get vaccinated and make ‘test-record-repeat’ part of your weekly routine.
“Thanks to everyone continuing to follow the guidance. The infection rate on the Island remains among the lowest in the country. I’d urge everyone to keep going and use your judgement to keep everyone safe.”
All the island deaths started with one confirmed case.
And here is exactly why lockdown restriction should not be easing right now. But of course we are talking about Boris here…….
Here we go again, WE get it down , now the rush has started and when they
Go we will get it down again
Sorry to sound so grumpy but my wife and I have only been out four times
in the last 14 months and now we will not be going out for at least another
couple of months, just out of FEAR
Have you and your wife both been vaccinated? It’s a shame that you feel so fearful about going out. As long as you stay a good distance away from others and if it helps, wear a mask, you should be fine. Staying locked away indoors gets you down. Go out for a drive in your car if you do drive. Stay well both of you. Take care.
Should have voted UKIP
What effect would that have, India is not in Europe!
Oh yes it is, well,in most parts anyway!?
Oh well that was quicker than I thought…. no doubt from a DFL holibobber. I don’t see a date of when this was found out, today, yesterday, last week, slightly important. Here we go again then on the Island.
Don’t let them on the island then
More hysteria, it’s a virus there will be many more variants.
Just out of interest, what ever happened to the covid deniers? Everybody is entitled to their opinions, but calling everybody sheep etc was not helpful.
Perhaps what might be helpful is a reminder to the holiday makers/tourists is to enjoy yourselves but remain careful.
The ferry company’s could help by issuing reminder leaflets to travellers.
Censorship what do you think!!?
more are dying in the uk of flu and pneumonia than covid – this has been stated by the NHS – so where are the panic merchants that should be peddling the fear about this.
No there not get your facts right
Me, me
no, you get your facts right before spouting off
…dated 5th May and reported widely online.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that deaths from Covid are down 28 per cent on last week and are at the lowest number since the week ending September 25.
Deaths caused by Covid were at 260 – but it was only listed as the underlying cause for 176 people.
This is compared to 278 deaths listed for flu and pneumonia – however this was mentioned on 1,203 death certificates.
Time is now the factor,sit back and watch the show!
One too many, will rocket soon!
A family of 10 return to the Island from India and all test positive with one member dying and not a word. But now its being suggested that the virus has just been identified over here?
So have people been travelling to and from the UK ? Just trying to figure how all these variants from different continents are still landing here ?
As usual, the Prime Minister was too slow to deal with this new COVID variant. It has now spread from the North of England to as far South as it can go, US. With the vaccine program in place, let’s hope it doesn’t cause too many infections here on the island?!?!?!?!? Having the vaccine injection is the only way to keep everyone safe. Roll on June when I am booked for my 2nd jab. Hands, face, space should not be stopped either.
And flights from there are still landing in our airports
If whoever it was had isolated on return from India then perhaps we wouldn’t have it here and that goes for anyone returning from holidays anywhere.
2 jobs Bryant should release whether it was a traveller, but he won’t do that will he….
People are to selfish to self isolate, me me me, the same goes for anybody going abroad this year!!!!
Now let’s see how many of the unbelievers will walk, or drive pass shops shaking there heads at the social distancing and other measures put in place to KEEP ALL PEOPLE safe. Remember don’t be sarcastic and say to shop staff “Apparently there’s a virus out there!!!” then walk out laughing, or take the p**s and say I am exempt from wearing a mask, when you have one on as a chin warmer, either of those will invite a definite response back at you. Yes I work in a shop by the way. But which one ????
Can someone send Council a link for this news because yesterday they were in self denial mode, their usual mode!
My daughter has tried in vain to get a covid jab on the island. The GOV page is telling her to go to Portsmouth.
Nothing will stop the selfish brigade from going around maskless. One young woman on bus yesterday, neither her or her kids had masks on, yet she proceeded to talk loudly looking around everywhere so spreading her breath all over the bus, laughing and joking making it worse. For what possible reason would she, and many more like her, be “exempt”? Utter nonsense. I have asthma, and suffer from panic about anything over my nose and mouth, but I always wear a mask. What the hell is wrong with these people? Is it just stupidity? Or more likely selfish disregard for others and a strong sense of entitlement for themselves
Or just bored of being expected to wear a rag over her face and decided enough is enough – not everyone cares about others – some of us couldn’t care less about anyone else.
Yet you live in society, travel in vehicles built by society, on roads and rail built by society. You eat food grown and transported by society. When you are ill or need the dentist you are cared for by society. You live in housing built by society. YES SOCIETY – People working together!!! I could go on and on because folk with the attitude you portray just take – take -take. Learn to share. Who knows, it might even make you smile.
There have been foreign tourists here since BEFORE the restrictions were lifted but because they travelled by ferry they weren’t turned away !