Staying safe over the Easter holidays
Published: 6 April 2022
That's the message from the Isle of Wight Council ahead of the school Easter holidays next week and following the latest changes to COVID-19 guidance.
To help limit any further spread of the virus and ensure people keep well, Simon Bryant, director of Public Health on the Island, says it remains the right choice to follow the safe behaviour advice.
“It’s been an incredibly tough couple of years for everyone. As we move into a different phase of the pandemic, I would like to thank Islanders for all their support and hard work so far," he said.
"While the restrictions are now removed, and most testing reduced, the pandemic is not over. We should all continue to follow public health guidance to protect ourselves and others.
"If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another respiratory illness, and a high temperature or feel unwell, please try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
"Resume normal activities when you feel well enough, and you no longer have a high temperature. If you have a positive COVID-19 test result you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when you are most infectious.
"Please think about our vulnerable Islanders including your friends and family. Avoid close contact with anyone who might be at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell if infected.
"As the Island gets busier with the start of the Easter holidays, your continued COVID safe actions will really make a positive difference for our community.”
Guidance advises:
• get fully vaccinated. Vaccines remain our best defence against the virus, can reduce the risk of serious illness and help stop the spread of the virus. Everyone aged five and over can book vaccination appointments now;
• if you have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, stay at home and avoid contact with other people. If possible, don’t go to work if you are unwell;
• keep washing your hands regularly;
• wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces;
• meet outside and let fresh air in if you meet inside;
• don’t forget the basics of good hygiene like covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Councillor Karl Love, Cabinet member for Public Health, said: "I continue to be very concerned about the high number of COVID-19 cases on the Island, especially so as Easter approaches.
"Please take care. It’s far better to be safe than sorry. I strongly recommend wearing face coverings in busy places and to avoid crowding. COVID-19 is still resulting in some people being hospitalised and we can all help to safeguard our key workers by wearing masks, keeping our distances and washing hands while still enjoying Easter.
"Our COVID support officers have handed out more than 10,000 free LFT test kits over the past two weeks to Islanders. Please use these to keep yourselves and others safe.
"I’d like to remind everyone that support is available for all Islanders, whether you’re struggling with your own or others' mental health, or need help putting food on the table.”
The council’s COVID-19 helpline (01983) 823600 is still available and the website keeptheislandsafe.org continues to be updated with help, support and advice for residents.
To help limit any further spread of the virus and ensure people keep well, Simon Bryant, director of Public Health on the Island, says it remains the right choice to follow the safe behaviour advice.
“It’s been an incredibly tough couple of years for everyone. As we move into a different phase of the pandemic, I would like to thank Islanders for all their support and hard work so far," he said.
"While the restrictions are now removed, and most testing reduced, the pandemic is not over. We should all continue to follow public health guidance to protect ourselves and others.
"If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or another respiratory illness, and a high temperature or feel unwell, please try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people.
"Resume normal activities when you feel well enough, and you no longer have a high temperature. If you have a positive COVID-19 test result you should try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people for five days, which is when you are most infectious.
"Please think about our vulnerable Islanders including your friends and family. Avoid close contact with anyone who might be at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell if infected.
"As the Island gets busier with the start of the Easter holidays, your continued COVID safe actions will really make a positive difference for our community.”
Guidance advises:
• get fully vaccinated. Vaccines remain our best defence against the virus, can reduce the risk of serious illness and help stop the spread of the virus. Everyone aged five and over can book vaccination appointments now;
• if you have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19, stay at home and avoid contact with other people. If possible, don’t go to work if you are unwell;
• keep washing your hands regularly;
• wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces;
• meet outside and let fresh air in if you meet inside;
• don’t forget the basics of good hygiene like covering your mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing.
Councillor Karl Love, Cabinet member for Public Health, said: "I continue to be very concerned about the high number of COVID-19 cases on the Island, especially so as Easter approaches.
"Please take care. It’s far better to be safe than sorry. I strongly recommend wearing face coverings in busy places and to avoid crowding. COVID-19 is still resulting in some people being hospitalised and we can all help to safeguard our key workers by wearing masks, keeping our distances and washing hands while still enjoying Easter.
"Our COVID support officers have handed out more than 10,000 free LFT test kits over the past two weeks to Islanders. Please use these to keep yourselves and others safe.
"I’d like to remind everyone that support is available for all Islanders, whether you’re struggling with your own or others' mental health, or need help putting food on the table.”
The council’s COVID-19 helpline (01983) 823600 is still available and the website keeptheislandsafe.org continues to be updated with help, support and advice for residents.
