From today (Wednesday), Islanders can spend more time outdoors and enjoy a wider range of activities for any length of time.
The Government has started to ease the lockdown restrictions imposed on 23rd March, but today’s advice is strictly limited to spending time with your household or with 1 other person and is subject to social distancing rules.
Rural car parks, golf clubs and marinas across the Isle of Wight are expected to be opening up again this morning in line with the new guidance from officials.
You are now able to:
- spend time outdoors, including exercise, with 1 person who is not in your household as long as you stay 2 metres apart
- exercise more than once a day
- go for a picnic, to sunbathe or relax and read a book
- spend time at sports courts, including outdoor tennis, basketball courts and golf courses
- enjoy all forms of watersports including sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, rowing, kayaking, surfing, paddle-boarding and the use of privately-owned motorised craft (in line with the guidance issued by the relevant navigation authority)
- go fishing on your own, with their household, or with 1 other person while adhering to social distancing rules
- drive to outdoor open spaces irrespective of distance. You can travel to outdoor open spaces, in a private vehicle, alone or with members of your own household
- travel to beaches and beauty spots
- travel to the countryside
- go swimming in either lakes or the sea as part of daily exercise provided that social distancing guidelines are observed – advice against using public indoor and outdoor pools remains in place.
This new provision enabling increased outdoor activity does not allow you to:
- go on holiday
- visit and stay overnight at a holiday home or second home
- visit the homes of friends and family, unless it’s to help a vulnerable person, for medical reasons, or to take a child to another household with whom parental responsibilities are shared
- gather with more than 1 member of another household for recreational reasons e.g. to play group sports
- swim in a public pool
- use a playground or outdoor gym
- exercise in an indoor fitness studio, gym, swimming pool, or other indoor leisure centres or facilities
- visit a private or ticketed attraction
Business like pubs, clubs, restaurants, and theatres will also remain closed.
More stringent enforcement measures for non-compliance with the new rules have also come into effect today. Fines have been increased, and will now start at £100, which will be lowered to £50 if paid within 14 days. This will double on each further repeat offence up to £3,200.
The police will continue to use their common sense, discretion and experience when people are not following the guidelines. As they have throughout, they will engage, explain, encourage and only as a last resort consider enforcement by way of fixed penalty notice.
Any rules on off road mountain biking
just do it
I agree Jerrme, Up until now I thought the film “Idiocracy” was a comedy not a documentary.
I can’t find any guidance regarding putting on my shoes and socks…..can anyone help?
Could I ask bikers to please respect the signs – new bikers may not know that those marked FOOTPATH are just that and bikes and horses are not permitted to use them but they can use BRIDLEWAYS AND BYWAYS. Please be aware that people also walk and ride horses on bridleways and byways so use your voice or bell to tell them you are about to pass so that they don’t accidentally move in front of you, and can get dog onto short lead or “gather” horse so that it isn’t spooked by the sudden appearance and sound of several bikes out of nowhere. Walkers and horse riders and horses do not have eyes in the back of their heads!! Thanks guys.
Can I also respectfully ask dog walkers using the CYCLE PATH, keep their dogs in their leash and not let their mutts, gander around around putting others and themselves in danger. Thank you
Will public toilets be opened?
Are you a cottager?
Island echo may I suggest that you get your facts right before publishing. MARINAs are still in lockdown, YOU ARE NOT PERMITTED TO GO SAILING OR ANY OTHER LEISURE WATER SPORTS. Ring Cowes harbour mater if you don’t believe me a statement was issued yesterday evening on the subject matter. This includes the whole of the Solent area.
There is definitely some contradictory advice going around. The RYA have said you can go sailing and Cowes Harbour say you can’t. Maybe it’s social distancing at marinas that’s an issue?
oi oi can i go skate park now then
Yes!
So you can go to parks and beaches and even go for a swim in the sea. Why then have the council blocked off the car park at Yaverland so no-one can park there? We are supposed to be able to use these areas for recreation!