ISLANDERS should not travel to Portsmouth, Havant and Gosport under new coronavirus rules which come into force today (Sunday), says the Isle of Wight Council leader.

People in those areas must stay at home, cannot join or form a Christmas bubble and must not leave or be outside their home except for specific purposes, following stricter Tier Four restrictions amid a surge of new Covid cases.

As well as outlining these new tighter restrictions, the Prime Minister last night also announced changes to previous plans for the festive period.

Following the announcement, Isle of Wight Council leader, Dave Stewart, said it was extremely important Islanders followed the latest restrictions, making sure to stay local and minimise travel wherever possible.

He said: "The rules are very clear: people must not go into Tier Four areas unless they are travelling for essential reasons, such as work, education, caring for vulnerable people and to attend medical/hospital appointments.

"People in Tier Four must not travel to the Isle of Wight for non-essential reasons and must not stay away overnight.

"Our message today is clear - #keeptheIslandsafe. It needs you to make the right choice this Christmas and live within the guidelines."

The tighter restrictions come after a 'dramatic increase' in infections in the South East and London where in some areas, most of the recent Covid-19 cases are thought to be the new variant of the virus.

For further information on coronavirus on the Island, visit keeptheislandsafe.org, Tier Four guidance can also be found online.