THE latest government data shows a marked increase in the number Covid patients at the Isle of Wight hospital.

Figures released yesterday (Thursday) reveal 17 people were being treated at St Mary's Hospital as of Tuesday ­— up from eight the same time last week.

Three were also on ventilation beds as of Tuesday, August 24.

The cumulative total of patients with Covid treated in St Mary's since the pandemic began is 782.

Tighter restrictions on visitors were announced at St Mary’s Hospital earlier in the week, over a rise in positive Covid-19 patients being treated at the hospital.

Following last week's announcement that visitors were no longer permitted on certain wards, 'enhanced' restrictions are now in place across all wards.

Yesterday, more than 60 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed on the Isle of Wight.

And this morning, it was revealed The Eight Bells in Carisbrooke had closed following a positive case.

The pub took the decision to close with immediate effect after the child of a key member of staff tested positive for the virus.