As the Isle of Wight prepares to enter Covid-19 Tier Three on Boxing Day, we are being urged to continue to play our part to #KeepTheIslandSafe, by the Isle of Wight Council.

From Saturday, the Island will move into 'very high alert' following a rapid rise in Covid-19 cases in recent days.

Tier Three changes include not meeting indoors, or outdoors, unless already in a household, or bubble. Meanwhile, it is takeaway, drive-through, or delivery service-only at pubs and restaurants.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Isle of Wight Council leader Dave Stewart said: "The data suggests the new variant of the virus transmits more easily than other strains but there is currently no evidence it is more likely to cause severe disease or mortality.

"Sadly, I fear the coronavirus variant may have already reached the Island as our new case rates are increasing rapidly.

Isle of Wight County Press: Council leader Dave Stewart has urged Islanders to #keeptheIslandsafeCouncil leader Dave Stewart has urged Islanders to #keeptheIslandsafe

Isle of Wight Council Leader Dave Stewart

"This definitely isn't the news we wanted, but we'll continue working with our MP, the Isle of Wight NHS Trust and local business organisations to understand the full implications for our residents, our businesses and of course for people's health and wellbeing.

"It remains imperative that everyone on the Island follows the rules laid out. This is going to mean difficulties, tough choices and personal sacrifices but it's the best way to beat Covid-19, get infection rates down and for the Island to gain back the upper hand against this deadly virus."

Emily Hudson Tweeted shortly after the announcement:

Isle of Wight County Press:

Simon Bryant, director of public health

Simon Bryant, the Island's director of public health, added:

"Infections on the Island are rising and we need to do all we can to prevent the spread of infection.

"I want to thank everyone for continuing to follow the rules which has helped to save lives. If you do have symptoms, please immediately get a Covid-19 test and self-isolate.

"It is important we observe the guidelines of hands-face-space-ventilate even more closely than before. Remember, around one in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms so could be spreading the virus without realising."

Vix Lowthion of the Green Party, meanwhile, was less than optimistic about the numbers:

Isle of Wight MP Bob Seely issued a statement this evening following the news.

Isle of Wight County Press:

He said: "I am disappointed but not surprised.

"First, the important achievement was for the Island to be in Tier One in the run-up to Christmas, so that we had a semblance of normality and to protect jobs on the Island.

"With rates now rising, it was inevitable we were going up to a higher tier. It is difficult to argue against that, especially being close to Tier Four areas.

"I have not yet received a satisfactory answer about why we were placed in Tier Three rather than Tier Two, and I look forward to receiving one.

"We do not know what will happen next year, and it may be that much of the UK will move into Tier Four or its equivalent.

"I hope, clearly, that rates begin to fall again on the Island. In the meantime, I wish everyone the best Christmas under the circumstances.”

Island GP, Michele Legg, shares Mr Seely's sentiments with a hashtag: