Isle Of Wight Enters Tier 1 - Pubs, Shops And Restaurants Reopen

The Isle of Wight's shops, pubs and restaurants are welcoming back customers today (Wednesday), as the Government's new tiered system comes into force.

The Isle of Wight is just one of three areas in the country to have been placed in Tier 1 - the lowest level of the structure.

The new system aims at tackling coronavirus regionally - and has replaced nationwide lockdown rules. 

Despite some opposition, MPs voted to approve plans last night (Tuesday).

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely was one of the MPs who voted in favour of the proposals.

What does it mean for the Isle of Wight?

As previously reported, low infection rates mean the Isle of Wight has been placed in Tier 1. 

It means Islanders will be able to meet in groups of up to six people.

Some businesses and venues can also remain open, in a COVID secure manner.

Under Tier 1 rules, pubs and restaurants on the Island will be able to stay open until 11pm with table service only.

They will also be allowed to serve just alcohol to customers. Venues in Tier 2 will only be able to do so if customers order a 'substantial meal'. 

In an effort to stagger departure, last orders must be made by 10pm.

What does it mean for visitors?

Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart, told Isle of Wight Radio last week that visitors can come to the Island but admitted that "now is probably not the right time."

Those living in a Tier 3 area cannot travel to other UK destinations, but there are no rules stopping Tier 2 residents from doing so.

If visiting the Island (Tier 1), they will have to follow Tier 2 restrictions however.

Cllr Stewart said "they have to follow the other rules" and for example "can’t socialise with groups of up to six inside".

The council leader also said the ferries have to continue operating for key workers who need to travel to the mainland for work.

"Shop local"

The Isle of Wight's placement in Tier 1 has led to calls for Islanders to shop local. 

Speaking to Isle of Wight Radio last week, MP Bob Seely said he thinks "our economy will be less damaged" than other parts of the country.

However, he said this would only be the case if Islanders rally behind businesses and support them.

Isle of Wight Radio is officially supporting the Island's Let's Buy Local campaign. Read more, here.

Could the Island be put in tougher restrictions?

The Government says it will review regional coronavirus restrictions every fortnight and the Isle of Wight's MP is hopeful a coronavirus vaccine will be rolled out on the Island "within a month".

MP Bob Seely and council leader Dave Stewart have both warned that Islanders should not become complacent, however.

They have urged residents to follow the Government's Hands, Face, Space campaign. 

As of yesterday (Tuesday), the Isle of Wight has recorded 971 cases of coronavirus since the start of the pandemic.

St Mary's Hospital has now recorded 49 deaths, as a result of the virus.

It takes the total number of deaths on the Island to 97, including care home and community data.