The leader of the Isle of Wight Council is calling on the Government to 'bring forward' coronavirus testing for the Island's emergency service staff, after it was revealed that a "a big proportion" of firefighters here are self-isolating. Councillor Dave Stewart says the COVID-19 outbreak is 'leading to the continued absence of a number of fire staff' on the Island. As previously reported by Isle of Wight Radio, the Isle of Wight's Fire Brigade Union branch called for "urgent action" earlier this week. In response, Councillor Stewart told Isle of Wight Radio:
“Firefighters are yet another crucial group of public sector workers playing an essential role in keeping our Island community safe. Coronavirus does not discriminate and all the signs are that it is leading to the continued absence from work of a number of fire staff.
“Decisions on the strategy for the testing of people remain with government nationally, and I hope that this can be brought forward as soon as possible.
“In the same way that we need all our NHS staff who are fit and able to be at work, the same applies to all our emergency services. As the lead member for the fire service on the Island, I want to see the maximum number of officers available to protect our community throughout this crisis and beyond.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock has previously set the government a target of carrying out 100,000 COVID-19 tests a day for people in England, including NHS staff on the frontline.In a bid to ‘maintain a healthy workforce’, the Isle of Wight Council says some Isle of Wight fire crews will temporarily work 24-hour shifts, as previously reported by Isle of Wight Radio.
Investigation Underway Following House Fire In Brighstone
Reaction To Donna Jones Police And Crime Commissioner Re-Election
New Dementia Hub To Open In Cowes Next Week
Armed Forces Covenant Members Supporting Armed Forces Day
Miriam Margolyes, Aggers And Tuffers And Plastic Mermaids To Headline Wight Proms 2024
Isle Of Wight Shoppers Helping To Tackle Rising Levels Of Hygiene Poverty
Two Isle Of Wight Businesses Win At Annual Muddy Stiletto Awards
Sandown Carnival Launches 2024 Season
Dover Park Primary School Celebrates Continued Success With Glowing Ofsted Report
Rescue Services Join RNLI’s 200th Celebration Event At Cowes
Isle Of Wight Council To Move To Committee System In 2025
Highway Improvement At Church Litten Next Week
Isle Of Wight Beaches Praised In Clean Water League Table
Man Arrested After Being Caught During Act Of Self-Gratification In Newport
May Day Bank Holiday Recycling And Waste Collection Information
Isle Of Wight Ambulance Service Star Louise Awarded King’s Ambulance Medal
Stranded RIB Towed To Safety By Cowes Lifeboat
Major Highway Works Taking Place Across Isle Of Wight This Month
Wildheart Animal Sanctuary Rescue To Bring First Bears To Isle Of Wight For 30 Years
