Isle of Wight Council has moved to calm fears that the Isle of Wight could be heading for a new lockdown - after the alert level was raised on the track and trace app.

Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart has issued a statement.

He said: “We understand that there are some concerns that the Island might be heading for a local lockdown as a result of the change in alert level on the NHS Covid-19 app, but this is not the case.

“The Island still has a relatively low rate of infection compared with other areas of the country and we continue to monitor this on a daily basis.

“The change could simply be down to the national alert level rising from three to four. The five new confirmed cases reported yesterday (Wednesday) may also have driven the change."

As the County Press reported yesterday, the Isle of Wight was escalated to medium Covid-19 risk on the new Test and Trace app.   

Read more: New cases of coronavirus recorded on Isle of Wight

Cllr Stewart said: “We are told by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) that most local authorities in England are now classified as medium risk because either they or their neighbouring local authority has high or rising levels of infections.

“We will continue to work with the DHSC today to try to secure more information on the reasons for the change here.

“In the meantime, we should all continue to be vigilant of coronavirus symptoms which include a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell."

What's the advice?

We are being reminded of how to take precautions, meanwhile.

  • 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; 2 metres or at least 1 metre apart.

How to get a test

If you or someone you know, displays any symptoms, no matter how mild, get a free test by calling 119 or visiting NHS.uk