In line with the latest government guidelines, Red Funnel is urging the public to heed the government’s advice and refrain from using public transport as much as possible – this includes using the company’s ferry service between Southampton and East Cowes.
While the UK government has somewhat relaxed its ‘Essential Travel Only’ message, it remains clear that travel for the purpose of holidays, including visits to second homes, remains prohibited.
Red Funnel is also reminding customers that while the government has stipulated people may travel as far as they like for exercise or to meet 1 other person in an outdoor space, the government has also advised the public to avoid using public transportation as much as possible.
As Red Funnel continues to maintain its lifeline service to the Island with a reduced timetable, the company urges the public to use their best judgement and avoid using its ferries to take day trips for exercise or to visit friends and family, at this time.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, says:
“We hope the public will take both the detail and the spirit of the updated government advice into account and refrain from using our ferries for leisure and social reasons at this time.
“With everyone being asked to avoid public transport as much as possible, our ‘essential travel only’ message remains appropriate at present. We appreciate that the Island is a beautiful place to visit, particularly at this time of the year, but we must ask visitors to wait, as sadly the Isle of Wight remains closed for tourism at this time. Accommodation providers, attractions, restaurants and most shops remain closed but the Island will return to normal in time, and we’re asking people to ‘Dream now, sail later’.”
With the risk of infection reduced by being outside, and social distancing measures still in place, Red Funnel is also encouraging those who are travelling for essential reasons to use the outdoor deck spaces where possible, and travel with the appropriate attire. The company encourages passengers to consider wearing face coverings, especially during peak sailing times where the passenger lounges are in operation.
Red Funnel continues to monitor the latest advice and remains focused on adapting its operations in line with the government’s social distancing and travel guidance for the foreseeable future.
Fran Collins adds:
“The safety and wellbeing of our passengers, our staff and the communities we serve is our highest priority and we will continue to operate in accordance with government guidelines in order to protect this.”
Keep up to date with the latest developments as to how Red Funnel is responding to COVID-19 at www.redfunnel.co.uk/COVID-19.
How I laughed…… care about the communities your serve. More like, care about the shareholders and the coffers.
How about you ONLY allow food, medicine, essential services even get on the ferries. Don’t just say “The island is beautiful at this time of year” Yes it is, but that could be seen as some as an enticement to come here.
What with the ferry companies saying good things and doing the opposite, reminds me of our local MP.
That falls apart for people like myself who aren’t essential workers but are supporting NHS in other ways ie constructing new wards Southampton General.
I’m not a great fan of Red Funnel but they are doing a good job in difficult circumstances
Don’t blame Red Funnel, Wightlink or whatever, blame the government.
No as Trump said ‘Ask China’
I understand that redfunnel can bring anyone over to the island But…..let’s just remember this is a invisible virus and takes lives at any chance yet theres still people constantly meeting up or couples standing outside there friends and family houses regularly…….covid-19 wont just disappear were all gunna have to adapt to a new way of life……..redfunnel you drive on sit in your car and drive off………pointless trips to the supermarkets or b&q for paint or pointless things because theres nothing to do is the real issue and will potentially spread it , fast food company’s will reopen drive thrus next week so before anyone thinks dont come to the isle of wight and dont allow visitors over…..use your brain and think how many people could spread it or risk it with hundreds of people fancing a burger……..
no one is going to tolerate being stuck indoors throughout the summer – forget it.
people are going out now and will continue to do so –
over the weekend police in hackney gave up trying to stop people being out and about in the park as there were just too many people.
As said before – as soon as most begin to ignore the government – then they might as well give up and leave everyone to get on with their lives
you take responsibility for yourself – if you are worried then stay in doors. Stop expecting the state to carry you through your life.