Covid: Isle of Wight to enter Tier Four

An announcement has just been made by the government.

Scroll down for Tier Four rules...

There has been a sharp increase in the number of Islanders testing positive for coronavirus - now more than 1,500 since the start of the pandemic and a daily increase of 44 yesterday (Tuesday).

• Isle of Wight positive Covid cases pass 1,500 in latest update

The Isle of Wight only moved into Tier Three on Boxing Day, after a shock announcement last week.

• Isle of Wight reacts to new Tier Four restrictions

Just five days on, the Island has moved up again - meaning strict new limits on outdoor gatherings, weddings and non-essential retail.

The rolling average - a measure of cases per 100,000 people over seven days - also rose to December 24.

The numbers lag behind current data, however.

Earlier, the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine was given the green light, and it will roll out in January.

Covid: Approval confirmed for Oxford vaccine

What does Tier Four mean?

Under the new rules, non-essential retail (including hairdressers and barbers) will have to close, although some can continue to offer click and collect services.

Bars, restaurants and cafes must continue to be takeaway/delivery only.

Weddings are now limited to just six people (although this does not include those working at the event).

We are also told to stay home and not leave our towns and villages where possible, though there are some exemptions, such as shopping for food or medicine, working (if you cannot work from home), or visiting a vet.

We can meet a single person from another household in a socially distanced way.