ISLAND police have vowed a crackdown on those breaking the Covid rules — and will be conducting patrols at ferry terminals and supermarkets.

Sgt Radford, on the Isle of Wight Police Facebook page, said additional officers would be conducting Covid patrols and enforcement on the Island, including at supermarkets, ferry terminals and beauty spots.

He said they would stop vehicles where necessary, and attend incidents where the law around Covid is suspected of being breached.

It all comes down to a tougher stance on Covid enforcement, at a time when the Island has seen the highest levels of the virus since the pandemic began, with St Mary's Hospital busier than at any other time during the crisis.

Sgt Radford also spoke about masks.

He said: "I will expect the public to be wearing masks in shops. Although shops are enforcing this, if I see you are not wearing one I will be asking you why.

"I can understand that if you have a medical condition this might feel intrusive but we are at a point in the pandemic where this is necessary.

"Any interaction with the police involving masks would be constructive and handled with sensitivity.

"This might be the first time anyone has had interaction with an officer. I don’t intend to make anyone feel belittled or upset, it would be a quick interaction. I love talking and engaging with the public and it would be friendly.

"It is also important to know that just because the Covid rules say that you can do something, doesn’t mean that you should.

"I have seen first hand the effects of Covid on healthy men and women of all ages and I am personally taking every precaution and limiting every interaction."

Sgt Radford also offered advice on the vaccines, and urged anyone offered the chance of a vaccine, to take it.

He said: "When you are offered a vaccination, get one. Do not let fake news or ‘trolls’ try to spread false and malicious information. The only way we are getting out of this is for everyone to have a vaccination."

He urged parents to take responsibility for their children, and warned if they are under 18 and not adhering to the law, parents may be issued with a fine.

To see the law and guidance around Covid go to gov.uk/coronavirus

The report a Covid breach go to www.hampshire.police.uk/.../tell-us-about