HOLIDAYMAKERS heading to the Isle of Wight and Islanders crossing the Solent are reportedly welcoming the latest trial of the new NHS Test and Trace smartphone app.

App ambassadors are on board the Wightlink Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferries Victoria of Wight and St Clare and at Portsmouth Harbour FastCat terminal over the weekend, encouraging people to download it.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Visitors and residents alike can use the NHS QR ‘check-in’ feature at Island venues, such as pubs, restaurants and attractions, which are displaying the NHS QR poster.

Ambassador John Hirst said the first day was very successful: “Almost everyone we have spoken to so far has been very receptive and keen to get involved.

“The App is an important tool in the fight against coronavirus and part of the Government’s wider campaign to combat Covid-19.

"This trial will help us understand how people are interacting with the App, ahead of its national roll-out.”

App ambassadors are also working with Red Funnel and Hovertravel to spread the word about the initiative and have leaflets containing the unique codes needed.

Visitors who use the app while on the Island can continue to use it when they return home.

Residents and visitors have been urged to continue following social distancing regulations over the bank holiday weekend to stop the spread of coronavirus.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Although this year's scooter rally has been cancelled due to the pandemic, the Isle of Wight Council is expecting this weekend to be extremely busy and is encouraging both residents and visitors to remain alert and take steps to reduce the risk of infection.

The steps include keeping two metres apart from anyone not in your own household, wearing a face covering in enclosed public places, washing hands thoroughly and regularly and self-isolating if you or someone in your household develops Covid-19 symptoms.

The council is also reminding local businesses and their customers of the importance of following the government's Covid-19 guidance.

For businesses in the hospitality sector, such as pubs, bars and restaurants, this means keeping a temporary record of their customers to assist the NHS Test and Trace should coronavirus cases develop. This is in addition to maintaining the distancing and cleaning measures required to help keep their clients safe.

The council's environmental health and licensing teams, alongside the police, have been working with businesses across the Island to help them put in place the measures needed.

Council leader, Cllr Dave Stewart said: "We are extremely disappointed that this year's scooter rally is unable to take place due to the coronavirus. Hopefully we will be in a position to welcome them back next year.

"However, as people take advantage of forecast fine weather to enjoy a long weekend on the Island, we could still see a surge in visitors, particularly in Ryde which traditionally hosts the scooter rally.

"We must all remember that coronavirus hasn't gone away and we must all play our part to reduce the risk of infection by taking some well-known simple steps to stop the virus in its tracks.

"We ask visitors to respect local communities, have an alternative plan and move on if their favourite place is busy. And importantly, please don't take any unnecessary risks and put yourself, or anyone else in danger.

"We would also encourage tourists to download the app which is an extra tool in our toolbox for tackling the virus."

Coronavirus tests are available via phone by calling 119, or visit www.gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test

Meanwhile, HM Coastguard is warning people to take care near the coast and not become 'another statistic'.

Isle of Wight County Press:

As the UK looks set for a mix of weather this weekend, coastguards are warning people to follow the safety advice and not to take any risks at the coast or in the sea.

It has been HM Coastguard’s busiest-ever summer on record, with the emergency service dealing with 12,752 incidents since the start of June up until August 26.

From people being swept out to sea on inflatables to many instances of people getting cut off by the tide, the coastguard has often been dealing with multiple incidents of the same kind, and more, on a daily basis.

Before you venture out to the coast in the coming days,check tide timings, conditions, whether or not a beach is lifeguarded and leave inflatables at home.

Always carry a fully-charged phone with you, so you have a means of contacting the emergency services if something goes wrong.

Dog walkers are advised to always keep your pet on a lead, especially near cliff edges or areas of fast-flowing water.