COVID-19 update

30 July 2021 www.keeptheislandsafe.org

What’s new

Most legal restrictions on social distancing and socialising have been lifted. However, we must continue to exercise caution when socialising to keep ourselves and others safe.

Read more about what the final stage of the government’s roadmap looks like for residents.

Test Record Repeat

As we begin to meet more people, regular testing is vital and we are all advised to make it part of our routine.

If you don’t have COVID-19 symptoms, please take regular rapid response Lateral Flow Test (LFT). Tests are free and can be taken in store or collected from pharmacies. Use your postcode and this map to find your nearest participating pharmacy. Please report test results whether negative or positive.

It is especially important to consider Lateral Flow Testing 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.

Prevention

There are many other 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.
Remember to be respectful of other people’s decisions on whether to continue social distancing or wearing a mask etc.

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 by emailing contact.centre@iow.gov.uk

Self-isolation remains a legal requirement If you test positive for coronavirus or have been told to isolate by NHS Test and Trace.

More online information about self-isolation is available.

Vaccinations

Vaccinations are offered to UK adults age 18 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 continue to be accessible. Availability is updated daily on this website

It is important to get fully vaccinated. Vaccines have been shown to be effective against all variants.

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

COVID case and vaccination data

Weekly data is published on Isle of Wight Council’s Facebook page on a Tuesday.
Here is the data published on Tuesday 27 July 2021.

Travel

It is still government advice that we should not travel to amber or red list countries, even if other countries make changes to their entry requirements.

You can read about the traffic light system for international travel.