THERE has been another substantial increase in the number of Isle of Wight Covid cases, according to the latest data.

Public Health England figures released today (Thursday) show 45 new cases.

This follows from yesterday's 20, and takes the Isle of Wight total to 7,229.

The Island's rolling rate per 100,000 people, while five days behind, now stands at 108.6.

Yesterday, it was 101.6, and 85.3 the day before.

It remains well below the UK figure, which is 336.7.

In the UK, 48,553 new cases have been confirmed today.

The Government's interactive map currently shows the Isle of Wight as a blue area.

Since the January peak, it had shown good signs of reducing in colour, but now, as cases continue to increase, the colour has darkened again.

Yesterday, it was revealed around 420 school children on the Isle of Wight are self-isolating, as part of the Covid-19 track and trace programme.

While Covid rates are rising on the Isle of Wight, so too is the vaccination rate, with a further 2,248 doses given in the last week.

Walk-in clinics have been introduced for those aged over 18, yet to have either their first or second dose of a Covid vaccine.