Isle of Wight postal deliveries may be being hit by the 'pingdemic', according to social media.

Island Facebook groups suggest there are upwards of 30 postmen and women self-isolating at the moment, with expected mail not arriving at Island homes.

The Royal Mail would not confirm or deny the rumours but issues a carefully worded statement to the Isle of Wight County Press.

A Royal Mail spokesperson said: “The health and safety of our colleagues and our customers is our number one priority.

"In a limited number of areas, we are experiencing some disruption to services due to Covid-related absences. In impacted areas, we are focused on providing as comprehensive a service as possible to our customers.

"We would like to reassure customers in the Isle of Wight that our teams are working hard to deliver the best service possible and minimise any disruption that may be caused by Covid-related absences.”

Many people on social media expressed their appreciation of the work of postmen and women and wished them well.