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Council Leader "Expects" Tier 1 Category For Isle Of Wight - And Vaccines By Spring

The Isle of Wight Council leader says he "anticipates" the Island will fall into the Government's Tier 1 category of coronavirus restrictions, when lockdown ends next week.

Cllr Dave Stewart also expects some of the Island's population to be given a vaccine at an "earlier opportunity" than the rest of the country, due to what he calls our older age demographic.

Nationwide lockdown restrictions will end next Wednesday (2), with a stricter tiered system being rolled out across England. 

Similarly to Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely, Cllr Stewart has called for the Island to be treated independently from the mainland. 

He says the Isle of Wight "has earned the right" to be put into Tier 1 - the lowest level in the Government's tiered structure.

An announcement is expected on Thursday (26) - and if confirmed, it will mean Islanders can not meet in groups larger than six, among other rules.

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Cllr Stewart said:

"I am hoping we will [be placed in Tier 1] because we are one of the lowest in England for levels of [coronavirus] infections. Even though we've had a rise, in fact that's levelling out now, I think we've earned the right to be at the lowest level we can.

"It might be a bit tougher than what it was before, although generally speaking we've been fortunate. I wait to hear on Thursday what Mr Johnson says."

As well as the tiered structure, the Government is hoping a vaccine will stop the spread of the virus once and for all.

A number of jabs have come to forefront in recent weeks, with many claiming to have 90% efficacy. 

Cllr Stewart says "it's possible" the Island could get mass vaccination stations when a vaccine is rolled out. He said:

"If you're going to be vaccinated on the Island, it will be on the Island. Our population age demographic is somewhat higher than the rest of the country so the chances are we're going to get an earlier opportunity for a larger part of the population to get the vaccination and I think that's good news.

"The more people who are vaccinated, the more positive impact this could have on the wider Island community. Vaccination will start with those who are housebound and care homes first and then we'll be able to move out to the other population."

Cllr Stewart says he expects a vaccine to be rolled out on the Island by the Spring.

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