Don’t get a ferry to the mainland to get a Covid-19 test — and don’t get a test unless you have symptoms.

That is the message to Islanders from director of public health, Simon Bryant.

Scroll down to watch a video of Mr Bryant talking to the County Press...

Meanwhile, ferry firms say 48 hours' notice is needed to arrange a stay-in-car crossing, if you are travelling across The Solent with Covid-19 symptoms.

And a Portsmouth city councillor has also called for clarity — saying Islanders are travelling to the city on official advice, to get tested.

What has the Director of Public Health said?

Health bosses insist they are working to stamp out the need for people with coronavirus symptoms to travel to and from the Isle of Wight — they just can’t say when it will be sorted. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

Director of public health, Simon Bryant says no-one should be getting a ferry if they have coronavirus symptoms.

Speaking to the County Press, Mr Bryant said: “If you haven’t got symptoms, do not get a test. It’s been challenging to see people coming over from the mainland. People shouldn’t be travelling on public transport to get a test.

“We’re working very closely with the Department of Health to ensure people can have the right access to testing. Nationally, we’ve seen the lab capacity increase, but the demand has gone up even further.

“If you do have symptoms, self isolate until you can get a test. Keep trying to get a test.

“We know there will be a number of people in the community who don’t show symptoms of coronavirus, so they won’t even be thinking about getting a test.  Testing’s showing only one aspect of the disease.

“We’re working with ferry companies and the Department of Health to make sure the testing centre on the Island is for Island residents. We’re working to get a solution.”

Watch the County Press's interview with Simon Bryant this week...

What are the ferry firms saying?

Last week, Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield, said: “Anyone seeking a Covid test should not cross the Solent if it can be avoided.

"If it cannot be avoided, they must travel in a car, not as a foot passenger, and give us 48 hours’ notice so we can arrange for them to stay in their vehicles during the crossing and avoid contact with other passengers."

The firm says it has had ‘very few requests’ from people who want to travel for Covid tests and does not plan to reintroduce 'stay-in-car' sailings. It says its ships are spacious and there is plenty of room for social distancing.

Red Funnel said: “Our ‘remain in vehicle’ crossings were temporarily implemented as an exceptional measure during lockdown and supported the public during the time in which shielding was advised.  

“As the shielding guidance officially ended on 31 July, we also ceased offering these crossing types and reverted to our standard crossing formats for all sailings.  

Vulnerable and shielding passengers - and those with symptoms who cannot avoid travel - should give at least 48 hours before they are due to cross, for arrangements to be made.

Meanwhile in Portsmouth...

Isle of Wight County Press:

Tipner, where the coronavirus test site no longer exists

Meanwhile, it is reported that Islanders travelling to the mainland for tests is causing concern in Portsmouth - highlighted when a coronavirus testing site in the city  apparently “disappeared overnight” - to make way for a Brexit lorry park.

According to PA, the Tipner drive-through centre has moved to Southampton Airport, weeks ahead of schedule.

Reacting to the news, Portsmouth City Council’s cabinet member for health, Matthew Winnington, called for more communication from the Department of Health.

The Liberal Democrat councillor said: “We have got people from the Isle of Wight coming to the mainland for testing, because they are being told they should do that by the DHSC.

“They shouldn’t be using public transport while they have symptoms, but what the Government website is saying is that they have to.

“It’s just not good enough, and it really gives me concern about what other things we haven’t heard about with regards to the pandemic.

“If it’s happening to us, it’s happening to other places across the country too.”

A Department of Health spokesperson told PA: “Regional testing sites were set up at great speed to provide access to tests for key workers across the UK.

“Sites were selected where there was immediate availability, as well as being secure and easily accessible."

It said some sites were relocated (inluding the Isle of Wight's, which moved from the Medina Leisure Centre car park to Newclose Cricket Ground) to enable the service to be effective.

The Portsmouth Tipner Lorry Park site is now based at the Long Stay Car Park at Southampton Airport.