Islanders have done ‘brilliantly’ and have put the Isle of Wight in a good position to progress through the lockdown roadmap next week, according to the Island’s director of public health.
From Monday (17th May), indoor hospitality can reopen and indoor entertainment can resume, including cinemas, museums and children’s play areas. Up to 6 people or 2 households will be able to meet indoors and up to 30 people outdoors.
All remaining outdoor entertainment can reopen and some larger events will be able to take place, including conferences, theatre and concert performances and sports events. It’s then hoped that life will return to near-normal from 21st June with social distancing and face masks likely to be scrapped on the whole.
Simon Bryant, public health director for the Isle of Wight Council, has spoken about the positive way the Island has responded to the loosened measures so far.
With infection rates among the lowest in the country, Simon has said the community has done ‘brilliantly’ and put the Island in ‘a good position’ to move forward into Step 3 of the government’s roadmap out of lockdown. But he warns that with greater freedoms comes a greater need for people to take personal responsibility for their behaviour.
Simon says:
“As we take this next step together, we all know what we need to do because Islanders have been doing it so brilliantly so far — please keep going!”
“However, while we’re all looking forward to some potential further relaxations of restrictions from Monday, we must remember that COVID-19 is still very much circulating in our community, although at relatively low levels.
Article continues below this advertisement “As we begin to mix more, the likelihood of rates increasing rises, so we need to continue to act responsibly and follow the latest guidance to break the chains of transmission and to keep our community safe.
“We can’t rely on the vaccine alone. Social distancing is still absolutely vital, inside and out when we’re not with family and friends. Please continue to socially distance (two metres), wear face coverings (unless exempt) in enclosed spaces, wash or sanitise hands regularly and keep areas well ventilated.
“Now more than ever our actions will make a big difference to all of our lives.”
John Metcalfe, the council’s chief executive, has said the relaxation of COVID restrictions gives some hope that the Island’s visitor economy could start to get back on its feet.
“Sadly more than 5,000 people are now out of work on the Isle of Wight and the opportunity to reopen the visitor economy can offer a great many of them a way back into employment.
“As a result of our work with local businesses everyone can all have faith in their ability to operate in a COVID-secure way so we can feel confident about visiting them and helping them to get back on their feet.
“The council will continue to support all businesses and communities to operate and live safely in order to prevent further transmissions of the virus.”
See if 2 metres works next week, Be packed, boats getting booked up now
Simon “2 jobs” Bryant, praising Islanders, that’s a laugh, when his mate Dave Stewart blamed islanders for the peak before christmas last year. Still with the holibobbers coming over now, the cases will rise again.
I’m bewildered as to how Simon bryant actually got his job? He must be one of the most uneducated people to be employed by this dopey council
Family coming over on Monday for 4 days … Can’t wait to give them all a big hug .
As long as you keep it in the family, no problem.
You don’t live in Wroxall by any chance?
The northerners will be winging their way here probably bringing the Indian variant along for the ride – let’s see what happens by June 21st !
Time to baton down the hatches …
Need to ensure all that travel to and from the island and elsewhere are doing the lateral flow tests if not no entry allowed …
You cannot travel to certain parts of the world without a test so why not anywhere in the UK????