The Isle of Wight is not heading for a local lockdown despite the coronavirus alert level rising, according to the council.
As Isle of Wight Radio previously reported, a number of postcode areas on the Isle of Wight have seen their risk level raised to 'medium' on the NHS' contact tracing app.
It came hours after a further five coronavirus cases were confirmed here. The council says this may have contributed to the alert level being heightened, but is reassuring Islanders it is nothing to be concerned about.
Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart, said:
“We understand that there are some concerns that the Island might be heading for a local lockdown as a result of the change in alert level on the NHS Covid-19 app, but this is not the case.
“The Island still has a relatively low rate of infection compared with other areas of the country and we continue to monitor this on a daily basis.
“The change could simply be down to the national alert level rising from three to four. The five new confirmed cases reported yesterday (Wednesday) may also have driven the change.
“We are told by the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) that most local authorities in England are now classified as medium risk because either they or their neighbouring local authority has high or rising levels of infections.
“We will continue to work with the DHSC today to try to secure more information on the reasons for the change here."
The NHS contact tracing app - the second to be launched and trialled on the Isle of Wight - has officially launched nationwide.
When asked by Isle of Wight Radio how many people have downloaded the app on the Island, the managing director of the technology - Simon Thompson - said he could not say.
Cllr Dave Stewart added:
“In the meantime, we should all continue to be vigilant of coronavirus symptoms which include a new continuous cough, high temperature, or a loss or change in your sense of taste or smell.
“It also important that we follow the government guidelines: hands, face, space.
- Wash your hands often and for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitiser regularly.
- Wear a face-covering where appropriate.
- Keep space from other people; 2 metres or at least 1 metre apart.
“If you or someone you know, displays any symptoms, no matter how mild, please get a free test by calling 119 or visiting NHS.uk
“The council has also produced a self-isolation toolkit to help people prepare to self-isolate if they need to.”
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