children walking in a field with winter coats on

Stay safe this half-term by meeting outside, urges Isle of Wight Council

Covid-19 is still spreading on the Island. With case rates highest in young people, taking extra care over half term is key.

We can all still help to stop the spread of the virus even if restrictions change next week.

This will help look after everyone, especially our most vulnerable residents.

Bryant: Small actions will really help stop the spread
Simon Bryant, Isle of Wight Council’s director of Public Health said,

“As you enjoy the school holiday, please take care to do so as safely as possible. Covid-19 is still with us.

“We can all still help stop transmission of it and other illnesses:

  • Please try to meet outside wherever you can. Take advantage of the Island’s beautiful outside space these holidays.
  • Regularly washing hands with warm water and soap is a good way to prevent infections.
  • Wear a face covering in crowded spaces.
  • Keep testing regularly with LFTs.
  • Make getting fully vaccinated a priority.

“Continued small actions will really help stop the spread, support the NHS and protect more vulnerable people.”

Love: We want to ensure we offer the best support we can
Cllr Karl Love, Cabinet member for Public Health, added,

“It’s been very tough for Islanders and we want to ensure we offer the best support we can.

“I’d like to remind eligible residents that they can apply for the Test and Trace Support payment if they need to self-isolate if they or their child has got Covid-19.

“You do need to have a positive PCR test to get this payment, so please make sure you take a PCR test as well as an LFT. We want to make sure as many people as possible get this funding.

“We really care about your health and well-being. We want to help reduce any financial concerns when you’re ill. Please don’t hesitate to contact us for support and advice.”

Keeptheislandsafe.org is kept up to date with Covid-19 information for the Island and the Covid-19 helpline on (01983) 823600 is still available for anyone who needs support.


News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed

Image: Markus Spiske under CC BY 2.0