THERE has been a further increase in the number of Covid cases confirmed on the Isle of Wight, according to the latest government data.

Public Health England figures released today (Friday) show 96 new cases since yesterday's 108.

It takes the Isle of Wight total, since the start of the pandemic, to 14,427.

The Island's rolling rate has also changed.

In the seven days to October 16, it was 541.1 ­— up from 539 yesterday.

The worst affected Island age group for Covid cases remains ten to 14 year olds, with a rolling rate of 2,852.4 as of October 17.

It was 2,879.9 yesterday.

The number of patients with Covid being treated at St Mary's Hospital, meanwhile, has fallen.

Data correct on Tuesday, October 19, and published yesterday (Thursday) shows 15 people occupying a bed at the Newport hospital.

The number of those being treated in a specialist ventilation bed, however, has increased.

The most recent Covid hospital death was recorded earlier this week, when one more was added to the Isle of Wight total.

Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, there have been 180 Covid-related deaths at St Mary's Hospital.

The latest death, recorded on October 18, brings the number of Covid deaths in the Newport hospital up to five this month.