Covid-19 cases have dropped below 200 for the first time this year, health officials revealed last night.

There are 167 active infections – the lowest number since December 18 when the island had 152 cases.

Health officials said that six people were hospitalised with the coronavirus but none required intensive care treatment.

There were 71 new infections recorded among 5,366 tests carried from last Wednesday to Saturday.

The fall in numbers came after 121 people recovered from infection over the past four days.

The island had 217 active cases at last Thursday’s update, when there were five people being treated in hospital but none in intensive care.

Twenty-four of the new cases came in from overseas, 19 were recorded as on-island transmissions and 28 are under investigation.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, reminded the public that the mass vaccination programme would finish at the end of this month.

She emphasised that the jab was “very safe and very good at preventing serious illness, hospitalisation and, in most cases, preventing deaths due to Covid-19”.

She called the vaccine the island’s “best defence” against the spread of the coronavirus and advised anyone with questions to consult their doctor.

Registration for vaccination can be made here.

The vaccine clinic at Pier 6 on Front Street in Hamilton is open until March 31 for a first or second dose, or a booster shot for those eligible.

The shots are also available by appointment only at Hamilton Health Centre on Victoria Street, Hamilton, on Tuesdays from 2pm to 4pm.

Appointments can be scheduled by phone at 332-8906 or online.

Ms Wilson appealed to the public not to let their guard down against infection.

She said: “Everyone must be responsible and take action to stay safe.

“Avoid closed spaces, crowded places and close contact settings.

“Continue to follow public health guidance, wear a mask, practise good hand hygiene, ensure that you have proper ventilation indoors and maintain physical distance.”