The daily number of new coronavirus cases on the Isle of Wight is dropping, and the Isle of Wight's rolling average of cases, per 100,000 over seven days, is also starting to fall.

But we are warned that the continued impact of Covid-19 will continue to be felt at St Mary's Hospital in Newport over the 'coming weeks and days'.

Scroll down to watch an interview...

According to the the latest data, the Island is now 17th on the government's list of affected local authorities - compared to 4th at its peak, just days ago.

In the seven days to January 13, there were 1186 Covid-19 positives on the Island - down by 428.

The rolling average of 836.6 is showing a downward trend.

Isle of Wight County Press:

An update will be published at 4pm today (Tuesday).

After days when hundreds of cases were being added, 98 more positive tests were confirmed yesterday (Monday).

However, health bosses are warning that the worst is not yet over.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Simon Bryant, Director of Public Health (l) and Stephen Parker, Medical Director for the IOW Nhs Trust

In a Facebook Live interview with the Isle of Wight County Press, the Isle of Wight Trust's Medical Director Stephen Parker said: "It is positive. It's the beginning of some good news."

  • Scroll down to watch Ask:Live in full

He said: "It's important people continue to maintain the lockdown restrictions, because what is driving down the numbers is people's behaviour, rather than the vaccination.

"I would stress the impact of people who have currently got Covid-19 will be felt in the hospital in coming days and weeks. Of those that result in hospitalisation, the impact on critical care will be several days after that.

"Bear with us. Continue to abide by the restrictions. You will be helping us help your nearest and dearest." 

Director of Public Health Simon Bryant said: "Thank you for all the sacrifices people are making. It's great news the figures are coming down. The lockdown measures are working. We want to bring those figures much further down. We need to carry on as we are. 

"Social distance. Stay at home. Only go out if it's essential There's a lag - a time delay with what happens in hospital."  

We are reminded of the #HandsFaceSpace and ventilate message.