The Leader of the Isle of Wight Council is urging people from the mainland to refrain from visiting the Isle of Wight this Christmas.
Speaking in response to the news that the Island is one of three areas in England to be placed in Tier 1 restrictions, Councillor Dave Stewart said, "now is not the time to come to the Isle of Wight".
The council leader said the ferries have to continue operating for key workers who need to travel to the mainland for work.
But asked what the rules are for people travelling from Tier 2 and 3 areas to the Island, Cllr Stewart said: "they have to stay in their tier restrictions".
He stressed that "they have to follow the other rules" and for example "can’t socialise with groups of up to six inside".
Speaking exclusively to Isle of Wight Radio, he said:
“When the time is right people will be able to come to the Island, probably now is not the time for that so we would therefore encourage people to stay local themselves... I don’t want to be the stopper of the economy on the Island but equally, we know on the Island - if we stick to the rules we are going to stay where we are on tier one.”
“I’m feeling very proud and very pleased for the Island, I think there are loads of people who have worked really hard and now we have had our reward of being put in tier one - so something to look forward to now through the Christmas break.”
Cllr Stewart is also encouraging Islanders to shop locally and support the Island’s economy - which has taken a hit this year because of the pandemic.
He also echoed the message from the Island's MP about a potential COVID-19 vaccine being rolled out on the Island "within a month", as exclusively reported by Isle of Wight Radio.
The Island will move into Tier 1 restrictions when the lockdown is lifted across the country on Wednesday.
If you are confused about what it means, you can find out more details here.
The Government says the tier restrictions will be reviewed every two weeks.
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