THE two new cases of coronavirus on the Isle of Wight were not linked by time or place — so does not constitute an outbreak.

After weeks with no new cases reported, since July 6, this week saw two new cases confirmed, since July 27.

It brings the total number of confirmed cases here, since the pandemic started, to 423.

The County Press asked the Isle of Wight Council for further information — as two or more linked cases would be deemed an outbreak if reported in a 14-day period in the same location, or in some circumstance only one registered case.

A spokesperson confirmed: " Two new cases have tested positive on the Island since July 27, but were not linked by time or place and so did not constitute an outbreak.

"Residents and visitors are reminded, wherever possible, to try to limit their contact with other people — and not to leave home if they or anyone in their household has symptoms. They should also book a test by calling 119 or visiting the NHS Direct website."

Information about where the coronavirus patients live, work, where they have visited or where they were tested, is not available.

Under the local outbreak plan, if the Island as a whole or local 'settings' like care homes, schools and other high-risk areas, are forced to close to contain the spread, steps are in place to assist contact tracing, management procedures or even working with community hubs.

On Tuesday, a new death was reported — in a care home on the Island.

That brings the total number of people who have died from the virus to 83, across care homes, the hospital, the community and the hospice.