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Coronavirus Vaccine "Within A Month" Says Isle Of Wight MP, As He Reveals "Relief" Over Tier Announcement

The Isle of Wight's MP is hopeful a coronavirus vaccine will be rolled out on the Island "within a month", as he revealed his "relief" over the Island's placement in the Government's Tier 1 category.

As Isle of Wight Radio reported, when lockdown ends next week, the Island will resort to the lowest level of the Government's Tier system. 

The Island is one of just three areas across the country to fall into that category, with the other two being Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

It means Islanders are given more freedom than other parts of the country, including being able to meet with groups of up to six people.

Speaking exclusively to Isle of Wight Radio, MP Bob Seely said the Island has proved it can tackle coronavirus without a national lockdown.

He said:

"If anywhere should have had a spike in cases over the summer it should have been the Isle of Wight because we were very busy and full over the summer with visitors. 

"Because Isle of Wight businesses behaved very professionally and made sure they followed social distancing, rates on the Island remain pretty low.

"I think we've proved we can deal with coronavirus and have something approaching a normal life, without a lockdown."

Mr Seely also revealed that a coronavirus vaccine is not too far away for the Isle of Wight.

“I spoke with officials last night about the roll out of the vaccine on the Isle of Wight, which should start within a month. I hope that this will mark the beginning of the end of the pandemic and we can look forward to Easter with optimism."

The Island's MP has previously admitted he did not support a second nationwide lockdown. He says although "significant lessons need to be learnt over how the Government has tackled the coronavirus pandemic”, he is "relieved" that the Health Secretary listened to his advice.

He told Isle of Wight Radio that he approached Matt Hancock earlier this week, asking for the Island to be treated independently from the mainland. He said:

"I'm relieved because clearly the way things have been going, the Government had the intention to put as much as the country into a higher tier as possible.

"In the conversations and texts I have been exchanging with ministers and the Secretary of State for Health I made two things very clear. Firstly, the Island needs to be treated as an Island and secondly if anywhere in England should be in Tier 1 it should be the Isle of Wight because we have very low rates."

Praising Islanders for their efforts in keeping infection rates low, Bob Seely said he hopes they now take advantage of the "freedom" and support local restaurants, pubs and shops. He said:

“I want to thank again the NHS and care home staff for their vital work over the last few months, and the Council for their work.

"I am also hopeful that with the vaccines, there is light at the end of the tunnel in what has been a frankly wretched year.”

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