There is a high number of Covid-19 cases among children on the Isle of Wight, but the Isle of Wight Council says there is 'no evidence' that it is leading to widespread disruption. 

Meanwhile, headteachers on the Island are among those to have intercepted letters purporting to be from the NHS, but which were actually a national anti-vaccine campaign.

Daily government data shows there are currently high levels of coronavirus among secondary school and college-aged children and young people.

In the seven days to September 24, the rolling average rate per 100,000 children aged 10 to 14 years old was 1,741.6. Among 15 to 19 year olds, the average rate was 131.6.8 per 100,000 children. 

Isle of Wight County Press:

The government chart (which can be found HERE) shows a darker colour for a higher number of cases per age group. It also shows the impact Covid-19 had over Christmas and the New Year.

Both were a slight increase on the previous day, while among 5 to 9 year olds, who are not routinely tested, the average rate dropped slightly to 359.5. 

Covid jabs for children aged 12 and up are being rolled out on the Island, although they were not officially recommended by the Joint Committee on Vaccine and Immunisation (JCVI) for children aged 12-16.

The JCVI said it did not believe the margin of benefit was enough to support universal vaccination of children in that age group if they did without underlying health conditions.

The government argued the organisation had failed to consider the 'wider benefit.'

An Isle of Wight Council spokesperson said: "We are aware that cases have increased generally in schools since the start of term." 

It comes as Christ the King College asks its students to start wearing masks again.

Meanwhile, headteachers on the Isle of Wight were among those to be targeted by a hoax Covid vaccine letter, it has been revealed.

The Isle of Wight Council said: "Some headteachers on the Island received the letter. Realising it was fake they deleted it."

Sent out nationally, it was designed to mirror the NHS's official communications, but actually spread an anti-vaccine message, with a "consent checklist" for children.

NHS England's medical director for Covid immunisation, Dr Jonathan Leach, took to Twitter to warn parents that the forms were fake and not from the NHS.