THE Isle of Wight's Covid rolling rate has risen again and is nearly up to the UK average.

The Island's rate has risen in one day from 235.40 to 286 — the UK rate is currently 294.60.

The Island has spent several months with notably lower rate than the national rate, and has at points been among the areas with the lowest rates.

But in recent days, high numbers of Covid cases have been recorded on the Island.

A further 69 cases were added today (Monday), and 126 yesterday (Sunday).

The rolling rate is five days behind these figures.

Since the pandemic began, there have been 8,868 cases recorded.

There is confusion over how many people are in St Mary's Hospital, as the Isle of Wight NHS Trust says the government data is wrong.

The government website, where the media are directed to get statistics, is still showing 36 Covid patients in hospital, and has been showing that since Thursday afternoon.

However, the trust said there were only five Covid patients in on August 9 and 10, and one Friday there was just one.