By Chris Cornford
In a clear sign the lockdown is beginning to take effect, the Island’s Covid rates have dropped below the UK national average for the first time since December.
Another 26 cases were confirmed by Public Health England yesterday (Thursday) taking the Isle of Wight’s overall total to 6,301. The seven-day case rate per 100,000 for the Island has fallen dramatically and now stands at 225.7. A week ago, it was 393.6.
Despite the good news, it was revealed earlier in the week that 24 people had died in Island care homes in the week running up to January 22. It means 30 died in care homes between January 1 and 22.
There have also been further Covid-related deaths at St Mary’s Hospital this week bringing the total number of patients who have died there to 125 since the start of the pandemic.
The cumulative number of Island Covid deaths now stands at 208, with 78 in care homes, four in private homes, and one in a hospice.
Isle of Wight Observer