Government data shows the Isle of Wight had recorded 137 cases of the Omicron Covid-19 variant by Decemeber 23.

The Island's first case was confirmed on December 6, but was not made public until December 16, when a breakdown of local authority data was published.

The time it took for a lab to confirm the variant was one of the reasons for the delay.

Initially, there were just two Omicron cases on the Isle of Wight in early December.

The variant is known to spread rapidly and has already caused surges in greater London and Manchester, but it is still being monitored for its links to hospitalisation and serious illness.

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Although it could be milder, doctors have warned the speed of transmission means many more people could contract it.

So far stopping short of extra measures in England, a decision welcomed by some of those in hospitality and business, the government is urging eligible Islanders to get a booster jab.

  • Riverside Centre in Newport has walk-in appointments, until 8pm tonight (Thursday) and from 8am until 3pm on New Year's Day and New Year's Eve.

Meanwhile, Isle of Wight health leaders issued advice today about how to secure lateral flow tests and a PCR appointment.

Read more: 'Minimise festive kisses' and plan ahead to get Covid tests advice