Matt Hancock has announced that the Isle of Wight will be plunged into Tier 3 restrictions from midnight on Boxing Day – a massive blow for the Island economy and community.
The Island is one of the very few locations in the country that has been a Tier 1 area throughout the recent spike in the pandemic, but the Government has this evening announced that the Island will become Tier 3 from 00:01 on 26th December.
Council Leader Dave Stewart had been preparing Islanders for the reality that we could have been plunged into Tier 2, but Tier 3 wasn’t expected.
In Tier 3, people must not meet anybody outside their household or support bubble in any indoor or outdoor setting, whether at home or in a public space. The ‘rule of six’ applies in open public spaces such as parks and beaches.
Hospitality, such as pubs, restaurants, bars and cafes, are allowed to stay open for takeaway, drive-through or delivery service only. However, accommodation providers such as hotels, B&Bs, campsites, holiday lets and guest houses must close.
Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart has said:
“Like other Tier 1 areas, we’ve seen cases sharply rising which is clearly the wrong direction and going into Tier 3 now brings additional restrictions and pressures, particularly for our local economy, that nobody wanted to see.
Article continues below this advertisement “This definitely isn’t the news we wanted, but we’ll continue working with our MP, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and local business organisations to understand the full implications for our residents, our businesses and of course for people’s health and wellbeing.
“I am really disappointed for all of our local businesses that have worked so hard with us to operate in a Covid-secure way. I doubt they could have done any more and want to thank them for what they have done. We will do all we can to support them during what I know will be a difficult time.
“Taking personal responsibility and making good choices continues to be the best way to protect yourself and those you love from the virus. We must all take action to protect each other and our hospital capacity.
“The gradual introduction of vaccines and testing in the coming months will assist us in this challenge, but I can only urge, it is what we all do will make the biggest difference.
“It remains imperative that everyone on the Island follows the rules laid out. This is going to mean difficulties, tough choices and personal sacrifices but it’s the best way to beat Covid-19, get infection rates down and for the Island to gain back the upper hand against this deadly virus.
“Let’s remember, there was life before the pandemic and all of the signs are hopeful that we can return to something of that life in 2021.”
Simon Bryant, the Island’s director of public health, said:
“Infections on the Island are rising and we need to do all we can to prevent the spread of infection.
“I want to thank everyone for continuing to follow the rules which has helped to save lives. If you do have symptoms, please immediately get a Covid-19 test and self-isolate.
“It is even more important we observe the guidelines of hands-face-space-ventilate even more closely than before. Remember, around one in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the virus without realising.”
Support is available to those who need it through the council’s Covid-19 helpline (01983) 823600.
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