WITH Isle of Wight Covid-19 levels now among highest in country, MP Bob Seely says he has been assured St Mary's Hospital still has capacity for new Covid patients.

Earlier today (Saturday), the Isle of Wight saw another surge in Covid-19 cases, with January's total having exceeded the 2,000 mark.

The Isle of Wight's seven-day infection rate per 100,000 has now surpassed 1,000. Only 29 lower tier local authorities in the UK have a higher rate per 100,000 population.

“The new strain of the virus is a cause for concern," said Mr Seely.

"However, I talked to St Mary’s yesterday and there is capacity.

"They are working closely with the national NHS system. Doctors and nurses on the Island, in the hospital and elsewhere, are doing a sterling job.

"For the next two to three weeks, rates may continue to rise. That’s why it is important to make sure the Government knows the situation here, and why I am talking daily to ministers about it.

"However, every day that goes by, more people are vaccinated.”

In the seven days up to January 4, only Yarmouth and Freshwater has registered an infection rate below the national average.

Sandown and Brading remain the worst affected areas on the Island.

Earlier today, Mr Seely announced around 3,500 to 4,000 Isle of Wight residents had already received their first vaccination.

He said: "It is hoped that by the end of next week, this will rise to nearer 10,000. This is great news but we need to do more and fast.

"Each Isle of Wight vaccination site has received 975 doses of the Pfizer vaccine so far.

"Very soon, they will all receive another 975 doses plus 400 doses of the Oxford vaccine and 75 doses of Pfizer for care homes.

"After that, only the Oxford vaccine will be administered here.

"A large vaccination site at the Riverside Centre should be ready to deliver 500 vaccinations a day by the middle of the month, but may not get the vaccine until January 25.

"Because of the five-day shelf life of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine and batching in 975 doses, only sites that can deliver 975 doses in that timescale are included in the initial roll-out.

"I hope the more versatile Oxford vaccine will allow pharmacies to help in the future.

"St Mary’s Hospital started to vaccinate all its staff this week, which will mean, in a few weeks, Covid-19 risks to doctors, nurses and other staff should decline significantly."