Last week, the Director of Isle of Wight Public Health, Simon Bryant, urged Isle of Wight Festival-goers to take precautions and minimise the spread of Covid-19, to reduce the impact on the Island’s already under-pressure NHS.
Festival-goers will be asked to prove their Covid-19 status on the gate, either by being fully vaccinated, or through a negative test, or immunity. They are also asked to continue taking Lateral Flow Tests (LFT) during their time at the Festival.
News OnTheWight asked the Director of Public Health what would happen if someone had travelled to the Island for the Festival but tested positive, either on the gate, or whilst attending the Festival.
Positive cases will be isolated
Simon Bryant told News OnTheWight that,
“Protocols in line with Public Health England guidelines are in place for anyone who develops Covid symptoms or tests positive from an LFT test onsite during the event.
“This includes arrangements for visitors to be isolated on site at the Festival prior to them safely leaving the Island in a way that keeps any possible Covid-19 risks to the absolute minimum.
“This may involve visitors returning to the Mainland in their own vehicles or using an agreement in place with a local taxi company, complying with public health guidelines.
“An agreement is in place with the ferry companies to allow people to self-isolate in-line with public health guidelines during the cross-Solent journey back to the mainland.”
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson added,
“Following the relaxation of government guidance, the Festival organisers have taken considerable advice and guidance from public health, the council and other key stakeholders to ensure the event can take place as safely as possible.
“Covid safety measures and processes are in place to help protect against the risks. It is the responsibility of the event organiser to monitor Covid-19 status on entry. We would expect that those who do not fulfil the requirements are not admitted to protect others.”
Bryant: We all need to continue to play our part
Mr Bryant had this parting message,
“If you’re attending the Festival, or not, it’s really important to remember that we all need to continue to play our part in keeping each other safe and minimising the risks from Covid-19.
“Things like washing hands, covering your face in crowded spaces and social distancing are easy to do and excellent ways we can keep ourselves and others protected from the virus.”
