Protect yourself and others, as the number of Covid-19 cases on the Isle of Wight rise.

The message comes from the Isle of Wight Council, which says there were 40 cases here on May 22, compared to 240 on June 22 - a six-fold rise.

The local authority says a new coronavirus variant has led to an increase in positives, just weeks before the main summer holiday season.

Meanwhile, in the week of June 10, two deaths in the Isle of Wight's community were reported - one in a care home and one in a hospice. The most recent Covid-19 death reported at St Mary's Hospital in Newport was on June 14.

Isle of Wight County Press: St Mary's Hospital, Newport.St Mary's Hospital, Newport.

We are now being reminded to take basic measures to stop the virus spreading.

How to help stop the spread of Covid-19

The Isle of Wight Council says we should:

  • Ensure we are fully vaccinated against and get the booster, if eligible
  • Wash and/or sanitise hands regularly
  • Meet outdoors, if possible;
  • Keep indoor spaces well ventilated
  • Wear a mask in busy indoor settings
  • Don’t mix with people if feeling unwell

Simon Bryant, the council's director of public health, said: "Much as we’d all like to put the pandemic behind us and think that Covid-19 has gone away, unfortunately it is very much still here and is once again spreading quickly through our communities.

"We’re not asking people to put their lives on hold again though and we want everyone to enjoy the summer holidays on our beautiful Island.

"All we ask is that people remember to take those basic precautions that we know work against Covid-19 and perhaps most importantly of all, make sure you’re up to date with the vaccinations."

Councillor Karl Love, Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for public health, said: "It’s really important to take action to protect yourself, your family, friends and work colleagues.

"There is a perception that Covid-19 doesn’t cause serious illness anymore but for some people that is not the case.

"The virus is still causing some people to become very ill. Please help to protect our Island community."

How to seek support with Covid in the Isle of Wight

  • An Isle of Wight Council helpline is still operating, if you need support. Call 01983 823600
  • Also find advice at islehelp.me 
  • First vaccinations are still available, along with second and third jabs, and boosters

In total, 442 Islanders have died from Covid-19 since the start of the pandemic, in March 2020.