The Isle of Wight's seven day rolling average rate for new coronavirus cases has been rising.

After weeks well 'below average', the Island is almost at UK 'average', with 21.2 cases per 100,000 people, in the week to April 9.

It means the Island is no longer among the least affected parts of the country. 

However, the data lags behind the current figures, with th number of new cases announced daily, at around 4pm.

The worst-affected area, as of data released yesterday (Wednesday), was Niton, Shorwell and Godshill.

A rolling average rate (seven days to April 9) of 104.5 cases per 100,000 people was recorded. In real terms, there were six cases, but it represented a 200 per cent rise on the previous data.

Most areas of the Island still have too few new cases for data to be published (they appear white) and cases remain low in rural, sparsely populated areas.

Community testing for people without symptoms has significantly increased.

The government has also said that the vaccine roll-out programme, which is now at a stage where people aged over 45 can book an appointment, is breaking the link between new cases and deaths from coronavirus.

The government's colour-coded map means an area's colour gets darker as cases rise.

Isle of Wight County Press: