Coronavirus At Christmas - What The Government’s Latest U-Turn Means For The Isle Of Wight

The Isle of Wight remains in Tier 1, no travelling to Portsmouth “unless essential” and another Government u-turn - this time on Christmas bubbles.

The Isle of Wight Council leader has been reacting to the latest announcement on Christmas coronavirus rules.

Cllr Dave Stewart says Islanders ‘should follow the rule of six, except on Christmas Day when you can bubble away’.

Under new rules, the Isle of Wight will remain in Tier 1 - the lowest level of restrictions.

However, Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant - all of which were moved into Tier 3 earlier this week - have now been put into a newly created Tier 4.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told people they should not travel to any of those areas, unless essential. It means Islanders are advised not travel to Portsmouth.

Travelling to a tier 4 area from a tier 1, 2 or 3 area

Government advice states “you should not travel into a Tier 4 area from another part of the UK, other than for reasons such as:”

• travel to work where you cannot work from home
• travel to education and for caring responsibilities
• to visit those in your support bubble - or your childcare bubble for childcare
• to attend hospital, GP and other medical appointments or visits where you have had an accident or are concerned about your health

Christmas bubbles 

The rules allowing up to three households to meet over the festive period will now be limited to Christmas Day only, not the five days as previously promised.

Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart said:

“Christmas Day then you bubble away - hands face space and ventilate - don't break the rules : it affects us all - stay alright on the Isle of Wight and work together for the good of all.”

We are still Tier 1 - rule of six except Christmas Day then you bubble away - hands face space and ventilate - don't break the rules : it affects us all - stay alright on the Isle of Wight and work together for the good of all @iwradio @iwcp @onthewight @observer @islandecho

— Dave Stewart (@councillordave1) December 19, 2020

Residents in Portsmouth - and in the other Tier 4 areas - must stay at home aside from a few exemptions: if people cannot work from home; education; childcare and exercise.

All non-essential shops, gyms, and hairdressers In Tier 4 must also close.

The change in rules comes after the Government confirmed a new variant of coronavirus had broke out in the South East of England. The PM said evidence suggests it is 70% more transmissable, although there is nothing to suggest it causes more severe illness.

Isle of Wight Radio has asked Hovertravel, Wightlink, Red Funnel and the Isle of Wight’s MP for a comment.

*Updated 8.19pm

Hovertravel says it does not have the powers to question its passengers regarding travel.

A spokesperson said:

"Hovertravel has no authority to question its passengers regarding where they are travelling from, why they are travelling and where they are going.  We are asking our customers to Hover responsibly and observe the current Government restrictions at all times.

"If there is further information following the Prime Minister’s announcement today, we will update our customers accordingly."

*Updated 20/12/20 @ 11.02pm

Wightlink said it is urging customers to take notice of measures and conduct essential travel only.

In a statement to customers it said:

"From 00:01 on Sunday 20 December 2020, the Government has imposed a Tier 4 ‘stay at home’ lockdown in Portsmouth, as well as in London and much of the South East of England, to stop the spread of coronavirus. This restriction applies over the Christmas period.  

"People must not go into Tier 4 areas from elsewhere, including the Isle of Wight, unless they are travelling for essential reasons, such as work, education and caring for vulnerable people.  

"People in Tier 4 must not travel to the Isle of Wight for non-essential reasons and must not stay away overnight.

"Wightlink urges all customers to follow government advice and obey the law.  You can rebook your crossing on another date without charge, if you are planning a non-essential journey.  

"Wightlink ferries will continue to serve the Isle of Wight, carrying freight and customers who need to travel for essential reasons. Customers must follow the Hands Face Space guidance, respecting social distancing and wearing a face covering onboard."

*Updated 21/12/20 @ 4.51pm

Red Funnel has released a statement.

Whilst Southampton currently sits within Tier 2 restrictions, meaning that travel is permitted, the Government advice is that where possible, people should avoid travelling outside of their area.

A Red Funnel spokesperson said:

“Although we continue to operate in Tiers 1 and 2, we are continuing to do all we can to support the government’s advice, reinforcing the message that people must refer to the local restriction tier guide before planning travel to the Isle of Wight.

"Residents of areas currently classed as Tier 3 or Tier 4, should not travel to the Isle of Wight for leisure trips or non-essential reasons at this time.

"Similarly, people should not travel to Tier 4 areas from other tiers (including the Isle of Wight) unless it is for essential reasons.

“These messages are being reinforced within our communications, around our terminals, on our website and on social media.

"As we operate a lifeline service, Red Funnel is not in a legal position to question customers’ reasons for travel and nor has the government advised the screening of travelers by operators."

The ferry service said it is doing 'everything' it can to discourage those who should not be travelling.