AN ADDITIONAL Intensive Care Unit has been opened at St Mary's Hospital — in preparation should there be a rise in Covid-19 admissions.

The unit will be used as a separate ward for those who have not tested positive for Covid-19.

While admissions of patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 remain low, the precautionary measure has been taken in advance of any potential rise in numbers.

A spokesperson for the Isle of Wight NHS Trust said: "An additional Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has been opened so we are able to offer, should it be needed, separate wards for patients needing intensive care treatment.

"This additional capacity will ensure the safety of those patients who need intensive care but have not tested positive for Covid-19.

"Admissions of patients who have tested positive for Covid-19 remain low."

The most recent data on hospital admissions can be found here.

Cases of coronavirus on the Isle of Wight have risen to 610, since the pandemic began, with 133 of those cases this month alone.

Statistics revealed today show the ages of those with coronavirus on the Island. Read more here.