The Isle of Wight NHS Trust has reassured residents plans are in place to respond to an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, but the Trust believes the ‘majority’ of cases will only be ‘mild’.
Currently, only 1 positive case of coronavirus has been confirmed on the Island after an administrative decision moved the second case to a different authority area.
Alice Webster, director of nursing, told a meeting of the Isle of Wight Trust Board, all patients, whether with suspected or confirmed symptoms, would be cared for in line with national guidance from Public Health England and NHS England.
She said:
“The vast majority of cases of covid-19 are likely to be mild and those individuals will be supported as they are isolated at home.
“For the most acutely unwell people, who require hospital admission, we will follow all of the relevant guidance to protect our patients, staff and the wider community.
“Decisions about the location of that treatment, whether in a specialist centre on the mainland or here at St Mary’s, will be taken based on the clinical needs of the patient and with clear guidance from Public Health England.
“We have plans in place to respond to an increase in the number of cases locally, in line with our well-established Pandemic Flu Plan.”
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The Department for Health and Social Care has updated figures for the national number of confirmed cases today and said only 1 confirmed case of the COVID-19 is on the Island.
Maggie Oldham, chief executive of the Isle of Wight NHS Trust, said:
“We have not been effected in a large way at the moment but we are preparing for whatever comes our way in the coming weeks or so.”
Continued advice remains to delay the spread of the virus by not shaking hands and washing hands for at least 20 seconds. If you are showing symptoms of the virus, guidance from government is to self-isolate for 7 days and only if symptoms worsen, phone 111.
So where on the island is this case ? Did it come from the mainland ? And moving a patient to the mainland for admin purposes says that the were here how many people on the island have it? Mild or not. as not even is being tested
The Island will be shut/ isolated next week