7 April 2021

COVID-19 helpline open hours update

The opening hours for the Isle of Wight COVID-19 helpline have changed.

You can call (01983) 823600 if you feel vulnerable, need help because of lockdown or self-isolation, or you’re alone with no local network of friends, family or neighbours and needs support.

The helpline is now available:

• Monday to Friday – 9am to 5pm.
• Saturday – 9am to 1pm.

It is closed on Sundays.

Test and Trace support for parents/guardians

If you need to take time off work because your child is required to self-isolate, you may be eligible for the Test and Trace Support Payment (TTSP) scheme.

TTSP has been extended to parents and guardians who are not legally required to self-isolate but need to take time off work to look after a child or young person who is self-isolating.

You should submit your claim within 42 days of the first date of self-isolation.

Get eligibility details and apply online here.

Our actions make a big difference

As restrictions ease, please stay safe. 

If you’re planning on seeing friends or family, there are several actions you can take to keep your loved ones, and the Island, safe:

• Wear a face covering when required.
• Keep a safe distance from people not in your household.
• Wash your hands often and use soap.
• Be cautious visiting popular places.
• Be patient and kind to others when you are out and about.
• If you don’t have COVID symptoms, get tested regularly for free.
• If you do have COVID symptoms, self-isolate immediately and get tested.

Most importantly, enjoy the Island safely. You can find everything you need to know on our Keep The Island Safe website.

Latest COVID-19 data for the Island

These are the latest published vaccination and COVID-19 stats for the Isle of Wight, from NHS England and Public Health England, respectively.

Cases are expected to fluctuate as we come out of lockdown and the government’s programme of rapid response testing for people without symptoms is rolled out.

You can read the full report here: https://www.iow.gov.uk/covid19_data

The COVID-19 statistics for the Isle of Wight, published by Public Health England on 5 April 2021 at 4pm including data up to 4 April 2021.

The vaccination statistics for the Isle of Wight, published by NHS England on 1 April 2021 including data up to 28 March 2021.

The graphic shows:

• 87,020 – The number of island residents who have received at least one dose of the vaccine
• 6,743 – 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.
• 18 – The number of positive cases in the seven-day period.
• 12.7 – 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 as lockdown eases: 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.

Love where you live

While our visitors get to enjoy the Isle of Wight for a few weeks of a year, as residents, Island paradise is quite literally on our doorstep all year round.

As of Monday, 12 April, heritage sites, zoos, attractions, pub gardens, restaurant terraces, gyms, spas and self-catering properties will all be ready to welcome you back, with the ‘rule of six’ and COVID safe measures in place to ensure everyone stays happy, healthy and protected.

Local businesses need your local support.

Now is the time to plan for when you can, to consider all the places you’ve said you would love to go right here on the Island, but never have. Make every weekend on the Isle of Wight a holiday at home.

Go to visitisleofwight.co.uk for what’s on, where to eat and things to do.