ISLE of Wight health chiefs have told Islanders to enjoy the great outdoors — and hopefully some sunshine — in a sensible way ahead of the Easter weekend.

With more than 60 miles of beaches and 520 miles of rights of way, Simon Bryant, the council's director of public health, urged people to avoid the most crowded places and to find their own space to help keep the Island safe.

He said: "I want all of us to make the most of fresh air and exercise. It's important for your mental and physical health that you stay active.

"Meet other people outdoors by all means, but please keep to the rule of six, or two households, and keep social distancing."

While the stay at home rule was lifted on Monday, people are still being asked to minimise travel.

Isle of Wight County Press: The Island has had a smooth vaccine rollout so far.The Island has had a smooth vaccine rollout so far.

In brief, the recent rule changes are:

  • People can meet outside, including in private gardens, either with one other household or as a group of six.
  • The ‘stay at home’ rule has been replaced with ‘stay local’ and to keep travel to a minimum.
  • Outdoor sports facilities such as golf courses and tennis courts can reopen, and organised outdoor sport can take place.
  • Outdoor parent and child groups are allowed with up to 15 parents.
  • It is important to note the rules do not allow people to mix indoors, and there should be no long-distance travelling or overnight stays.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ollie and Emily Clow were among the first on the Isle of Wight to play tennis again, at Ventnor Tennis Club, after the first lockdown ended last May.Ollie and Emily Clow were among the first on the Isle of Wight to play tennis again, at Ventnor Tennis Club, after the first lockdown ended last May.

People are also being reminded that although the vaccine programme on the Island is on track and working well, having the jab does not give people a green light to ignore the rules.

People can pick up a free home testing kit from one of the council's sites in Ryde, Sandown, Newport, Yarmouth and Cowes, or from the Newclose County Cricket Ground testing site.

More information can be found online.

People with any symptoms of coronavirus should immediately self-isolate and book a test at Newclose County Cricket Ground by calling 119 or via the government website.

Newclose is open seven days a week for symptomatic testing and collecting home testing.

For all the most up to date information and advice about coronavirus and all of the support on offer, visit: www.keeptheislandsafe.org