Bob Seely MP said: “It's right that the Isle of Wight has retained its Tier One status and I thank Ministers for continuing to listen.

"This is good news for residents who can continue to benefit from more relaxed rules, but it is also good for our local businesses who can continue to trade under lighter restrictions. With the first of the Covid-19 vaccinations now being administered to Islanders, I hope that we are now at the beginning of the end in defeating the virus - which is the best Christmas present we could ask for. 

“However, I will be talking to the police and the Council about the situation now that neighbouring areas on the mainland are in Tier Three. I would also urge residents living in areas near us, including Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant please not to visit the Island until restrictions in these areas change, unless it is for essential reasons.

“I am very well aware of how responsible Island businesses have been in ensuring that they can serve their customers safety. We will welcome back visitors from Tier Three areas as soon as those restrictions have been lifted.

"We, on the Island, also need to be mindful when visiting Tier Two and Tier Three areas. We should not be going to areas with higher infections rates unless it is for essential reasons. We don’t want to be doing Christmas shopping and bringing COVID back to the Island, especially since one in three people who have it do not know they have it."