Latest figures, showing the true extent of coronavirus cases on the Isle of Wight will be released later today — as the MP joins calls for the figures to be revealed.
Until recently, only data showing the number of positive cases tested in hospitals and laboratories has been made public, something called ‘Pillar 1’ — with 204 on the Island.
But other vital information, ‘Pillar 2’ – confirmed cases from test-at-home kits, drive-through centres, or other third party companies – has yet to be published in a local authority breakdown — something the Isle of Wight Council says will be coming later today (Thursday).
Public Health England (PHE) and the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) say the Isle of Wight Council has known the true number of confirmed ‘Pillar 1 and 2’ tests since June 22 – and has been receiving daily updates.
An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson confirmed the local authority was receiving the data, but claimed it was not able to make it public:
"Pillar 2’ data is ‘owned’ by the DHSC and is provided on the basis that the council does not publish the information, but uses it for the purposes it is provided.”
Latest PHE figures show, in the week commencing June 15, there were 296 cumulative cases of Covid-19 per 100,000 on the Island from both ‘Pillar 1’ and ‘Pillar 2’ testing. That means there are potentially more cases than previously thought.
The Isle of Wight’s MP Bob Seely has called for the true figure to be revealed.
Mr Seely said:
“It is really important that we are open and transparent with our Islanders about this information and we should be giving out the true total, not just ‘Pillar 1’.
“So I have asked PHE to make sure that from now and in the future we give out as much information as we should to be as transparent as possible.”
The Isle of Wight Council is reassuring residents they do not need to panic.
Simon Bryant, Isle of Wight director of public health, said there was no evidence to suggest Covid-19 cases were increasing over and above expected levels and it was important to understand this was cumulative data.
He said:
“I can reassure residents and businesses that the Island currently has low number of cases of Covid-19 and residents should not be unduly alarmed by this cumulative data.
“The important figure is how many new cases are being identified. In the week in question, the infection rate for the Island was 2.8 per 100,000 population compared with a median of 5.4 across England and 140.2 in Leicester.
“Our number one priority is the health and wellbeing of our residents, and we will continue to use all data available to us to support our health and care system.
“The advice about hand washing, keeping our distance and following guidance is still paramount and will help to manage infection outbreaks.”
Council leader, Dave Stewart, said the provision of ‘Pillar 2’ data had been a significant concern to the council as it had been for all local authorities across the country for some time.
He said:
“We understand that the government is planning to publish the ‘Pillar 2’ data for all local authorities very shortly and welcome this development as an important step in helping us to better warn, inform and protect the Island’s community and contain the spread of the virus.
“I am pleased to reassure the Island community that despite the update on data regarding Covid-19 cases, we continue to experience one of the lowest levels in the country.
“I am sure this is due to the support and commitment of our community in following our guidance and advice.
“The data takes account of our local testing and the increase is consistent with the national picture. But in our case, reaffirms the success we have had in keeping infections down and thereby keeping our community safe.”
By Louise Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
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