The Isle of Wight is to enter Covid Tier Three (Very High Alert) from Boxing Day (December 26).

It means much tougher rules and regulations, especially around meeting indoors, after a significant rise in the number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 on the Isle of Wight.

In November, and in a review earlier this month, the Island was only three areas placed in Tier One - the lowest of the government's bands.

At one point, the Isle of Wight's rolling average rate (per 100,000 people), was the lowest in England.

Southampton will move to Tier Four, while the New Forest moves into Tier Three.

In recent weeks, cases have been climbing steeply, along with much of the country.

Today (Wednesday), we have reported new coronavirus cases in an Isle of Wight primary school and at the Island Sailing Club in Cowes, which closed at the weekend.

Earlier, we reported that Tier Two was a possibility, following comments from Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart.

Cllr Stewart said: "The Island is ready for Tier 2, if that's what it takes to keep us safe.

"Our emergency plans are ready - so protect your personal safety bubble 'Hands Face Space' - keep calm and carry on Isle of Wight.

"We should not be dejected. You may not win every battle but can still win the war, and that’s exactly what we will aim to do as an Island community." 

What does it mean to be in Tier Three?