WIGHTLINK'S takeaway cafes will be closed from this Saturday (January 16.) 

In addition, customers will not be allowed to bring their own refreshments to eat or drink onboard ferries or at ports. 

All customers must wear a face covering throughout their crossing - unless medically exempt - to help stop the spread of coronavirus, especially the new variant of Covid, which is 70% more transmissible than the first strain of the disease. 

Wightlink chief executive, Keith Greenfield, said: "Although the vast majority of essential travellers onboard our ferries are obeying the law over mask-wearing, not everyone is following the regulations. 

"We want to remind customers that they need to wear a face covering, at all times and in all areas, to protect themselves and others during the pandemic. 

"Remember, Hands - Face – Space."