Living with COVID-19 means we must continue to be extremely careful and follow Public Health advice going forward – that’s the message from the Isle of Wight Council ahead of the school Easter holidays next week and following the latest changes to COVID-19 guidance.
To help limit any further spread of the virus and ensure people keep well, Simon Bryant, director of Public Health on the Island, says it remains the right choice to follow the safe behaviour advice.
He’s said:
“It’s been an incredibly tough couple of years for everyone. As we move into a different phase of the pandemic, I would like to thank Islanders for all their support and hard work so far.
“While the restrictions are now removed, and most testing reduced, the pandemic is not over. We should all continue to follow public health guidance to protect ourselves and others.
“If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another respiratory illness, and a high temperature or feel unwell, please try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
“Resume normal activities when you feel well enough, and you no longer have a high temperature. If you have a positive COVID-19 test result you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when you are most infectious.
“Please think about our vulnerable Islanders including your friends and family. Avoid close contact with anyone who might be at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell if infected.
Article continues below this advertisement “As the Island gets busier with the start of the Easter holidays, your continued COVID safe actions will really make a positive difference for our community.”
Guidance advises:
- get fully vaccinated. Vaccines remain our best defence against the virus, can reduce the risk of serious illness and help stop the spread of the virus. Everyone aged five and over can book vaccination appointments now;
- if you have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, stay at home and avoid contact with other people. If possible, don’t go to work if you are unwell;
- keep washing your hands regularly;
- wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces;
- meet outside and let fresh air in if you meet inside;
- don’t forget the basics of good hygiene like covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Councillor Karl Love, Cabinet member for Public Health, said:
“I continue to be very concerned about the high number of COVID-19 cases on the Island, especially so as Easter approaches.
“Please take care. It’s far better to be safe than sorry. I strongly recommend wearing face coverings in busy places and to avoid crowding. COVID-19 is still resulting in some people being hospitalised and we can all help to safeguard our key workers by wearing masks, keeping our distances and washing hands while still enjoying Easter.
“Our COVID support officers have handed out more than 10,000 free LFT test kits over the past two weeks to Islanders. Please use these to keep yourselves and others safe.
“I’d like to remind everyone that support is available for all Islanders, whether you’re struggling with your own or others’ mental health, or need help putting food on the table.”
The council’s COVID-19 helpline – 01983 823600 – is still available and the website keeptheislandsafe.org continues to be updated with help, support and advice for residents.
How much is he getting paid to tell me that?
Another being paid £100 000 plus no doubt to state the obvious. It’s herd mentality now anyway or hasn’t he heard. If you’re vaccinated then it’s like a really bad case of flu so try and wrap up warm, ride it out, stay isolated, stay safe
I wonder if they have COVID in Ukraine?
High levels they had only just started vaccination
Some more pedalers of panic! When are these idiots going to stop this shenanigan?
Perhaps when all idiots have been wiped out.
Perhaps when people like you, respect those who through no fault of their own are more vulnerable to serious complications or death.
I do not believe for one second you will change your opinion, but nor will I either.
Your opinion is dangerous and self interested mine is respectful.
Do you know how many people in the UK had COVID last week? Over 4.2 million. Look at the IOW.gov.uk website to see the numbers just for the island. All the poor hospitals are rammed and short staffed because they are off sick with COVID, including St Mary’s. The airport’s, ferry ports to the continent, all blocked with people due to the staff off with COVID. So are you stupid or something?
thanks Nan – jeez talk about nanny stating.
Asking people to be sensible and wear a mask and maintain social distancing in crowded places. I wish people would listen and follow this advice. The majority don’t, they think COVID had gone away. Totally selfish walking around a busy supermarket and riding on public transport without a face covering.
Ignorance is bliss as the saying goes!
I’m rather fed up of having to run my life for the benefit of the minority…I suggest you all get back behind the sofa…oh yes and proper research shows that masks do not work and never did.. Johnson has fooled you but some will be wearing their Primark £1.99 rags until they die….
I’m still waiting for a public announcement on how to prevent the biggest killer heart disease…… hold on that effects lifestyle so that won’t happen.
Had to go on the ferry on Saturday!!!!!
No more than half a dozen wearing masks ( including me and my partner)…
I got pinged several times there and back !!!!!
Does it really hurt to wear a mask……
Obviously it does !!!!!!
Thank goodness we didn’t pick it up …. several lfts later !!!!
We know we have to live with it but we still need to be responsible and respectful …
It hasn’t/ isn’t going anywhere soon !!!!!!
Er, masks are personal choice, Miss explanation marks !!!!!!!!
Not my job to keep you safe, I wouldn’t expect it from you. If you’re worried about a sniffle then go up on deck…. or was it too cold for you? Getting covid or being a bit chilly for and hour, hmmm can’t be that bad! My freedom doesn’t stop where your fear starts. Oh and masks are scientifically proven not to work.
Why don’t you move to China, sure you’ll fit right in.
If you vulnerable then don’t go out!!!
Let’s hope you Never get older !!!!
Or have an illness that renders you vulnerable !!!!
Alas some people don’t look further than the the end of their nose !!!!!
No one knows what is around the corner ….
Hope you don’t (not) find out one day !!!!! Maybe sooner than you think !!!!!!
Respect is earned by respect being given to our fellow beings !!!!!!!
Exactly, & let everyone else get on with their lives – Easy!!
Karma is around the corner !!!!!
Being responsible and respectful is a normal person’s way of life …..
Alas there will always be those who don’t give a damn !!!!!
The ME ME ME crowd ….
If the cap fits wear it !!!