By Isle of Wight Observer
The leader of the Isle of Wight Council has urged all Islanders to help turn the Island into a “beacon of light” at this time of need and help lead the nation out of the darkness of coronavirus.
On the day when all Island residents have been given access to the new NHS COVID-19 contact-tracing app, council leader Dave Stewart encouraged Islanders to make their mark in history by playing a pivotal role in the fightback against the virus.
He said: “Make no mistake, this could be one of the most important days in the history of the Isle of Wight. We have been asked to lead on the development of this pioneering technology and with your support we can give a great response.
“So today I urge you all to download the NHS COVID-19 app and turn our Island into a shining beacon of light that will lead the nation out of this darkness.
“I make this plea not as a politician but as a father, grandfather and proud Islander — please do what’s right for the health of your own families, for everyone you love, for our special Island community and for the nation.
“By downloading this app, you are standing shoulder to shoulder with Britain’s leading scientists at the frontline of the coronavirus threat — an invisible enemy that has already claimed the lives of 35 Islanders.
“This is our chance to make a difference in our own way that could help save the lives of millions.
“There is so much about this Island that fills me with pride — but most of all I’m proud of you. Our tight-knit community has risen to this unprecedented challenge with courage and commitment.
“We have suffered loss and endured pain and hardship, but now we are ready to lead the fightback.
“You have stayed at home, you have protected the NHS and all the key workers on the Island and you have saved lives, now I ask that you, please, do one more thing — download the app.
“Let us be the nation’s vanguard so that in years to come, Island schoolchildren will learn about the crucial role their community played in leading the nation out of this darkness and into the future.
“Now is our time so let’s seize the moment and show just what we can deliver — download the app and be part of history in the making.”
Developed by the NHS with a team of world-leading scientists and doctors, the NHS COVID-19 app will play an important role in the fight against coronavirus.
If you develop symptoms of coronavirus, the app will:
- anonymously warn other app users who have been near you;
- provide advice from the NHS on the right action to take to help stop the virus spreading further; and
- help you to get a swab test.
This is essential in allowing the country to stay one step ahead of the virus.
Island MP Bob Seely added: “This is an important day for the Isle of Wight, and by extension, the start of a crucial journey for our country. It is evident that there is tremendous enthusiasm among fellow Islanders to play their part over the coming weeks in rolling-out this app.
“This will not just help make us safer, but allow the Island to make a meaningful contribution to making the rest of the UK safer as well. I am proud that our community is rising to this challenge with such gusto.
“I would ask Island residents to not just download the app but encourage neighbours, friends, family and colleagues to do the same.
“All of us should stay at home, install the app, improve the tech, protect the NHS and all key workers and save lives. The more people use it, the more successful it will be. Working together we can help get our country back on its feet.
“There may be glitches with the app, but that’s how we are going to help: by shaping the system before it rolls out nationwide. If you encounter any difficulties, please provide this feedback – and your ideas on how to improve it – so we can help get this right.
“The Island is at the forefront of this ground-breaking innovation, as it has been many times before. As the Health Secretary said — where the Isle of Wight goes, Britain will follow. Let’s do it.”
Download the app at www.covid19.nhs.uk,
