Follow the rules – even after vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccination programme is continuing across the Island. It’s important that once you or your loved ones have had their COVID-19 vaccination that we continue to follow the national lockdown guidelines; stay at home.

“COVID-19 cases on the Island are still very high”, said Simon Bryant, director of public health.

“While we’re starting to see a positive reduction in the rate of cases, it is still critical that we keep going and working together as a community to drive the rate of infection right down.

“Even if you’ve had the vaccine, please stay at home and remember hands, face, space if you have to go out for an essential reason. Staying at home and making space from people not in your household or support bubble are the number one things we can do to protect each other and keep the Island safe. This is true whether we have had the vaccine or not.”

Councillor Dave Stewart, leader of the council, said: “Every 30 seconds, the NHS in England admits someone with COVID-19 into hospital. COVID-19 vaccines reduce the chance of people getting seriously ill from coronavirus. Some people may still get coronavirus despite having a vaccination, but the effects should be milder.

“So now is not the time to breach the restrictions – in fact now is the time to knuckle down and ensure that we are all following the regulations and staying home as much as possible.”

Led by the Isle of Wight NHS Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), the focus for vaccinations remains on those in the priority groups for COVID-19 vaccination from the independent Joint Committee on Vaccinations and Immunisations. This includes people aged 70 and over, as well as front line NHS and social care staff working with those in priority groups.

Dr Michele Legg, GP and chair of the Isle of Wight NHS CCG, said: “The rollout of the vaccine is undoubtedly a great weapon in our arsenal to fight off COVID-19 – however we must not get complacent and ignore government guidelines.”

The NHS will get in contact with you to offer you an appointment. Please do not contact your GP practice in the meantime. These NHS webpages have more information about how the vaccine is being rolled out across the Island.

Remember hands – face – space and ventilate.

Latest coronavirus data for the Island

These are the latest published COVID-19 statistics for the Isle of Wight, from Public Health England.

You can read the full COVID-19 data report on our website.

The graphic shows the COVID-19 statistics published by Public Health England on 25 January 2021 including data up to 24 January 2021:

• 5,903 – The number of confirmed cases to date of Island residents who have received a positive COVID-19 test result since March 2020. This is based on the residential address of the person tested rather than where they are registered with a GP.
• 667 – The number of positive cases in the seven-day period.
• 470.5 – Weekly cases per 100,000. This is the number of Island residents who have received a positive COVID-19 test result in the seven-day period, divided by the total population of the Island.

It is vital we all continue to follow the government guidelines during national restrictions: hands, face, space. 

• Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser regularly.
• Wear a face-covering where appropriate.
• Keep space from other people; two metres or at least one metre apart.

COVID-19 breaches and how to report them

Why are you receiving this email?

Our COVID-officers are working with the police to stop people who are breaching COVID-safe practices or the national lockdown guidelines and putting themselves and others at risk.

Do you know of businesses or individuals that are not following the national lockdown restrictions? Do you know someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, but is still going out in contravention of the restrictions? Have you seen people behaving irresponsibly or gathering in groups?

Have you asked yourself any of the following:

• What counts as a breach?
• What types of breaches can you report?
• Who should you report them to?

If you’ve asked any of these questions recently, head to the dedicated website www.keeptheislandsafe.org where you will find links to report possible COVID-19 breaches. You’ll be helping to keep our community safe.