The Isle of Wight's director of public health is warning Islanders to be "really cautious" as the Indian coronavirus variant spreads across some parts of the country.
It comes as the Isle of Wight Council refuses to confirm whether a case of the variant has reached the Island.
Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Simon Bryant said he was pleased with lowering infection rates here, but urged caution.
He said:
"I think we need to be mindful about the Indian variant. We've seen how fast that has spread in some parts of the country. We know that whilst it doesn't cause more severe disease and it does respond to the vaccine, it spreads faster.
"We saw what happened in January on the Isle of Wight with cases going up and we don't want that to happen again so I would urged everyone to be really cautious."
More than 2,300 infections, from the Indian variant, have now been confirmed in the UK.
In Bolton, Blackburn and Darwen, it is "becoming the dominant strain" with almost 500 cases confirmed there.
Yesterday (Monday), Health Secretary Matt Hancock said some in hospital with it haven't been vaccinated - but were eligible for a jab.
On the Island, the Isle of Wight Council won't comment on reports for fears of identification, if numbers are low.
A council spokesperson told Isle of Wight Radio:
“It is not possible to comment on cases at a local authority level, as if any cases, the number will be low and create a risk of identification."
Mr Bryant said the Island is on target to vaccinate everyone over 18 by the end of July.
The Island saw one new case of the virus recorded yesterday.
With a case rate of 10.6, per 100,000, the Island remains below the national average (23.5).
Hovertravel Services Remain Suspended Due To Unexploded Ordnance
Local Business Gives Back By Supporting Surf Charity
Local Energy Company Seeks Rooftops For Community Solar Projects
Who Will You Nominate For 50th Isle Of Wight Sports Achievement Awards?
Isle Of Wight Churches Launch Urgent Fundraising Appeal For Debt Help On The Island
Plans Afoot To Improve Isle Of Wight Cycling And Walking Routes
Appeal Following Report Of Assault In Cowes
Witness Appeal Following Fatal Incident On Isle Of Wight
Cowes RNLI Lifeboat Attends ‘Man In River’ Emergency
Wightlink Releases Statement Regarding Suspended Services
Changing Rooms: Shanklin Hotel Set For Upgrades
'Plagued' Ryde Farmhouse Set For Demolition
Leeson Road To Re-Open This Sunday
Supergrass, Jess Glynne And Busted Among Latest Acts Announced For Isle Of Wight Festival 2025
Inspectors Appointed For Island Planning Strategy Examination
Islanders Floating Bridge Views Sought
Two More Years Of Restoration Works Confirmed For Isle Of Wight Quarry
RSPCA Isle Of Wight Appeal Launched To Help Island's Most Vulnerable Animals This Christmas
Appeal For Information Following Assault At Crown Pub In Ryde
New Entrance And Kitchen Mooted For Freshwater Bay Hotel
