MORE than 150 new cases of Covid-19 have been confirmed on the Isle of Wight, according to the latest government data.

Public Health England figures released today (Wednesday) show 193 new cases.

Yesterday, 156 cases were confirmed.

The latest figure takes the Isle of Wight total, since the start of the pandemic, to 29,721.

The Island's rolling rate, on the other hand, has fallen.

Always five days behind, in the seven days to February 4, it was 934.

Yesterday, in the seven days to February 3, that figure stood at 948.0.

The Island's rolling rate remains above the national average, which is 833.7, down from 864.1 yesterday.

This recent increase in Covid rolling rate on the Island, and UK average, is explained by a change in the way the government publishes its data.

Previously, people who tested positive twice were only counted as one.

Now, a second infection is counted separately, as long as it is after 90 days.

According to the latest Isle of Wight NHS data, 25 patients are in St Mary’s Hospital with Covid-19, with one requiring the use of a specialist ventilation bed.

Two more Isle of Wight hospital patients have died after contracting Covid-19.