Scilly islanders fear ‘selfish’ visitors
RESIDENTS of the Isles of Scilly have said they are relieved to be the only area of England still in Tier One, but fear “selfish people” travelling there to escape lockdown.
The islands’ 2,000-strong population remain under England’s most lenient Covid-19 restrictions, with all other parts of the country now in Tiers Three or Four.
Jonathan Smith, a councillor for St Martin’s who also runs a small organic fruit and vegetable farm, said remaining in the lowest tier of restrictions is a relief but “no great surprise” as they have had no recorded Covid-19 cases since September.
“It’s an interesting paradox that Scilly remains the only place left in Tier One,” he told the Press Association. “We are probably the place in the country for fewest options for travel, shopping and eating out in the winter months.”
Mr Smith added that Scilly had struggled over the summer as most of its economy is tourismbased, but stressed that outsiders should not travel to the islands for a “New Year or winter holiday”.
Linda Thomas, a 69-year-old librarian from St Mary’s, said the news is “no time for jubilation” as residents worry about their relatives on the mainland and the risk of the virus coming to the isles – which only have one small hospital and a high elderly population.