RECORDED cases of Covid-19 on the Isle of Wight have jumped higher again — with an increase of 280 positive cases overnight.

Data from the government's Coronavirus dashboard today (Friday, January 8) shows the Island has found 3,473 since the start of the pandemic with cases rising faster as the new strain of the virus spreads. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

Since the start of January, 1,794 cases have been recorded — with a further 156 cases registered yesterday (January 7) and 254 on Wednesday. 

The highest daily increase of Covid cases was on Sunday when 459 new cases were added to the Island's total.

The seven-day case rate per 100,000 for the Island, although it is five days behind, is now at 941.7, rising from 921.9 yesterday.

The Isle of Wight now has the 31st highest rate across England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. 

To help in the effort to fight back against the virus, another vaccine centre is set to open on the Island at the Riverside Centre in Newport.

The Covid wards at the Island's only hospital, St Mary's in Newport, however, are busier than they have been since the pandemic started in March.

Another Covid patient has died this week at the hospital, taking the total of hospital fatalities now to 65. 

Across the Island community, a further 51 people have died taking the Island's total to 116.