Coronavirus: Wightlink to run reduced timetable due to Covid-19 outbreak

The company has said that it will be prioritising essential freight supplies to the Island including food and fuel as well as assisting the NHS and emergency services.

But there will be plenty of sailings that individuals can book if needed.

Wightlink says that the coronavirus outbreak has had a significant impact on the numbers of people who want to travel to and from the Isle of Wight

Far fewer people than usual want to cross the Solent at present and the government has advised against non-essential travel.

Wightlink will be a two-hourly service on the Lymington-Yarmouth service and hourly sailings on the Portsmouth-Fishbourne car ferry and FastCat passenger routes.

Gosport girl makes the town giggle by heading to the shops dressed as Mr Blobby

Customers are being advised to check the Wightlink website or mobile app for details of sailings.

Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield said: ‘We need to take this action and know it will affect the travel plans of some of our customers. However, bringing essential supplies to the Isle of Wight is our key priority at present, together with supporting the NHS and emergency services.

‘This new timetable will also allow greater resilience to cope with increased levels of staff absence due to self-isolations.’

Wightlink now allows customers to stay in their vehicles, following detailed discussions and agreement with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.

The Portsmouth to Fishbourne car ferry, St Clare, is now reserved for people who wish to do this.

St Clare sails on the even hour from Portsmouth (06:00, 08:00 etc) and the odd hour from Fishbourne (07:00, 09:00 etc).

All other services (both Portsmouth to Fishbourne and Lymington to Yarmouth) will operate in the usual way with all customers leaving their vehicles after embarkation and spending the crossing in passenger lounges.

Follow all the coronavirus updates in our live blog here.

Coronavirus: the facts

What is coronavirus?

Covid-19 is a respiratory illness that can affect lungs and airways. It is caused by a virus called coronavirus.

What caused coronavirus?

The outbreak started in Wuhan in China in December 2019 and it is thought that the virus, like others of its kind, has come from animals.

How is it spread?

As this is such a new illness, experts still aren’t sure how it is spread. But similar viruses are spread in cough droplets. Therefore covering your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing, and disposing of used tissues straight away is advised. Viruses like coronavirus cannot live outside the body for very long.

What are the symptoms?

The NHS states that the symptoms are: a dry cough, high temperature and shortness of breath - but these symptoms do not necessarily mean you have the illness. Look out for flu-like symptoms, such as aches and pains, nasal congestion, runny nose and a sore throat. It’s important to remember that some people may become infected but won’t develop any symptoms or feel unwell.

What precautions can be taken?

Washing your hands with soap and water thoroughly. The NHS also advises to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze; put used tissues in the bin immediately and try to avoid close contact with people who are unwell. Also avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth unless your hands are clean.

Sources: World Health Organisation and NHS