The Guardian is reporting that military helicopters could soon be used to airlift coronavirus patients from the Isle of Wight for treatment on the mainland.

It quotes the Isle of Wight NHS Trust's medical director.

The Island has the 13th highest infection rate in the UK, despite having one of the lowest in early December.

The national newspaper reports Stephen Parker has revealed he is planning “unthinkable options”.

An emergency test using a Chinook helicopter was carried out last year, in April, at the start of the pandemic.

The County Press photographed it as it landed in Seaclose Park.

Isle of Wight County Press:

The Isle of Wight County Press took this photograph during the test in April 2020

The Isle of Wight County Press has asked the Isle of Wight NHS Trust for a comment.