The Isle of Wight Council Leader has said he would like the whole Island tested for coronavirus - especially key workers. Councillor Dave Stewart says advanced talks are underway with the Government about providing a testing facility on the Isle of Wight. Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio, Councillor Dave Stewart, said: "There has been a lot said about testing of key workers. We have a diverse population and we have a relatively low level of confirmed coronavirus cases recorded at the moment. "If we could show the rest of the country how it could be done on the Island, it could be vital. We are an ideal location and it would be good for our Island to run a pilot scheme - and could help the rest of the country. "There is a facility on the edge of Portsmouth, which does include the Island - but we really need our own. It's just not accessible at the moment. "I am in discussions with the highest level people in the Government and I am confident we will have testing facilities on the Island. "We especially want our key workers to have these tests. It will mean they can get back to work again if they need to, or if they have it they can take the necessary steps. "I am confident, at the very least, we will get all of our key workers tested. We should get some messages (from Government) back this week. "We are also working on our recovery plan. The key message is stay home, protect our Island the NHS and save lives." He added: “We are working together with our key partners, the NHS and the Local Resilience Forum, to provide the opportunity to bring forward keyworker testing facilities on the Isle of Wight so that there will not be a need to travel to the mainland to access testing. The final details of this are being worked on, but we expect these to be available within the week. “It is vital that our keyworkers are supported so that they can continue the truly remarkable work they’ve been undertaking over the past month. “I’m sure that this progress around testing facilities on the Island will bring a huge amount of reassurance to our residents and our entire keyworker workforce across a vast array of settings, who are dedicated to caring for and supporting the most vulnerable members of our Island community.” Meanwhile, MP for the Isle of Wight Bob Seely said: “With regard to Covid-19 testing facilities on the Isle of Wight, I have been in discussions with the IW Council about this as we want to avoid Islanders needing to travel to the mainland for testing. As an Island, we have unique circumstances when it comes to testing. I have raised this with the Local Government Minister and Public Health Minister and I hope for news on this shortly”.
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