COVID-19 update

17 August 2021 www.keeptheislandsafe.org

What’s new

The rules on self-isolation changed on the 16 August. If you have been fully vaccinated or are aged under 18 and 6 months you are not required to self-isolate if you are a contact of a positive case. You will be advised to take a PCR test as soon as possible.

If you are not fully vaccinated and or you test positive for COVID-19 you are still required to self-isolate.

More information is available on this page.

All young people aged 16-17 are now eligible for a COVID vaccine. Details of walk-in clinics for people age 16 and over on the Island can be found on this NHS website.

Test Record Repeat

If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms, regular twice weekly testing with a rapid response Lateral Flow Test (LFT) is vital. Tests are free. Supervised tests can be taken in pharmacies. You can also collect home test kits from pharmacies.

Use your postcode and this map to find your nearest participating pharmacy. Please report test results whether negative or positive.

Please consider taking a rapid response test before going to an event, a crowded place, such as public transport and nightclubs, or when travelling to and from the Island

If you have symptoms you must self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test.

Vaccinations

If you’re aged16 and over you can book via the NHS UK website or by calling 119. It is not too late for older people to get their first dose. Please encourage friends, family and colleagues to get vaccinated.

Walk-in appointments for first and second doses are available throughout August. Availability is updated daily on this website.

Before you go to get your vaccine, please make sure that you’ve recently had a drink and something to eat.

Prevention

There are still many simple things we can all do to help stop the virus spreading:

Meet outdoors where possible and let fresh air into homes or other enclosed spaces.
Limit close contact with people you don’t usually live with and increase close contact slowly.
Think about other people and consider wearing a face covering in crowded or enclosed spaces such as public transport.
Keep washing hands regularly.
Take a gradual return to work.
Get 2 doses of the vaccine. You can make appointments or go to a walk-in clinic.
Keep taking regular rapid response LFT tests.
Self-isolate and take a PCR test when you get symptoms.
Self-isolate when asked to do so by NHS Test and Trace.
Be kind and respectful of other people’s decisions.

Self-isolation

If you’re worried about money because you’ve been asked to self-isolate, or you need to look after a child who is self-isolating, financial support is available via the Isle of Wight Council website.

Self-isolation can be very difficult especially if you have financial, work, family or mental health worries. Help is available via the Isle of Wight COVID-19 helpline on 01983 823600 or email contact.centre@iow.gov.uk