BREAKING NEWS: The Isle of Wight Council has welcomed the news the Island will be designated a Tier 1 area when the four-week national lockdown across England ends on December 2.
Tier 1 — also known as alert level 'medium' — is the least restrictive tier under the government's new three tier system.
Only Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are also in Tier 1.
Paying tribute to Islanders for their efforts during lockdown, Council Leader Dave Stewart, said:
"Being in Tier 1 gives us back some more of the freedoms we have all battled to secure in everything we are doing to reduce the transmission of the disease.
"Having done this so well, these are freedoms we need to fight to retain so the key messages of hands-face-space continue to apply.
"Please continue to be careful about where you go, who and how you meet because although things are looking up, they can quickly change.
"Taking personal responsibility and making good choices continues to be the best way to protect your self and those you love from the virus.
"The gradual introduction of vaccines and testing in the coming months will assist us in this challenge, but I can only urge, it is what we all do will make the biggest difference."
Under Tier 1, hospitality businesses can stay open until 11pm with table service only but last orders must be made by 10pm, in an effort to stagger departures. The “rule of six” will also remain in place indoors, meaning social household mixing is still allowed.
In Tier 1, people will be encouraged to minimise travel and work from home where possible.
Meanwhile, residents can help to #KeepTheIslandSafe by taking the following simple steps to limit the spread of the virus:
- Wear a face covering in enclosed environments
- Maintain social distancing
- Self-isolate when infection is suspected or confirmed
Councillor Stewart added:
"Let’s remember, there was life before the pandemic and all of the signs are hopeful that we can return to something of that life in 2021.
"That’s something I hold on to as a make my own plans to follow the guidelines and celebrate Christmas.
"We have all come too far to throw this opportunity now. So I encourage everyone to keep their eyes on the prize, do the right things, stay safe and make a good plan for next year."
What does it mean people can do from next Wednesday?
Tier 1 Restrictions:
In Tier 1 areas, people must abide by the “Rule of Six” when meeting other households both indoors and outdoors.
- People are still advised to continue to work from home where possible.
- Last orders in hospitality venues serving food and drink will be called at 10pm and customers will be allowed to stay until 11pm.
- Spectator sports will be allowed to resume both indoors and outdoors in Tier 1, with COVID-safe measures and social distancing in place.
- The public will also be allowed to attend performances and shows in theatres and other entertainment venues, both indoors and outdoors, at a limited capacity.
- The limits for sports and events will be 4,000 people or 50 per cent of the usual capacity outdoors. Indoors, the limit will be 1,000 people.
The other rules are:
- All businesses and venues can continue to operate, in a COVID-secure manner, other than those that remain closed in law, such as nightclubs and adult entertainment venues
- Hospitality businesses serving food and drink should close between 11pm and 5am (hospitality venues in airports, ports, on transport services and in motorway service areas are exempt)
- The 11pm closure also applies to casinos, cinemas, theatres, concert halls, museums, bowling alleys, amusement arcades, funfairs, theme parks, adventure parks and activities and bingo halls
- Cinemas, theatres and concert halls can stay open beyond 11pm in order to conclude performances that start before 10pm
- Schools, universities and places of worship remain open (For the latter, groups attending religious services are expected to follow the rule of six - with larger families exempt)
- Weddings and funerals can go ahead with restrictions on the number of attendees (15 and 30 respectively)
- Organised indoor sport and exercise classes can continue to take place, provided the "Rule of Six" is followed (There are exceptions for indoor disability sport, sport for educational purposes, and supervised sport and physical activity for under-18s, which can take place with larger groups mixing)
Keep up to date by visiting the www.keeptheislandsafe.org website.
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