FEWER than five confirmed cases of the Delta variant of coronavirus have been recorded on the Isle of Wight to date, new figures reveal.

Public Health England figures still show between one and four cases of the Delta variant had been recorded on the Island by June 9 – though they could not give an exact figure due to such low numbers.

The number is recorded as 'fewer than five' — as it was in the week leading up to June 2.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the Covid-19 mutation that originated in India now makes up 91 per cent of new cases in the UK, with evidence suggesting it may be more dangerous than the Alpha — formerly known as the Kent — variation.

The North West — where variant hotspots Bolton and Blackburn are located — continue to have the highest numbers identified with 16,825 Delta variant cases recorded there.

Public Health England said on Friday (June 11) that 42,323 cases of the Delta variant have been confirmed in the UK, up from 29,892 a week ago.

The increase in confirmed cases has been driven partly by a reduction in test turnaround times and a faster process for identifying cases of the variant, PHE said.

Growth rates for Delta cases are high across all parts of the country, it added, with cases doubling every 4.5 days in certain areas.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “With numbers of Delta variant cases on the rise across the country, vaccination is our best defence.

“If you are eligible, we urge you to come forward and be vaccinated.

“Remember that two doses provide significantly more protection than a single dose.

“However, while vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, it does not eliminate it.

“With data showing that Delta is significantly more transmissible than Alpha, it is just as important as ever to follow public health advice, which has not changed.

“Get vaccinated, work from home where you can and remember ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.

“These measures work, and they save lives.”

Meanwhile, no new cases of Covid-19 have been added to the Isle of Wight today (Sunday).