Covid-19 restrictions will be relaxed further from 6am today, health officials said last night.

Large group sizes will be capped at 200 – up from 100 – and tables in restaurants, bars and clubs will not be limited to a maximum of ten people.

The announcement came as the number of active coronavirus cases went up slightly by six to 173 active cases.

There are seven people in hospital, but none in intensive care.

Last night’s figures followed a sharp drop in active cases announced on Monday, when the numbers fell below 200 for the first time this year to 167.

The island had six people in hospital with the coronavirus on Monday, with none in intensive care.

There were 73 positive cases found among 4,860 tests carried out from Sunday to Tuesday.

There were six new cases from overseas, 22 were classed as on-island transmissions and 45 are under investigation.

Quarantine rules change for fully vaccinated people will change from next Monday.

People who are not symptomatic, but are close contacts and fully vaccinated or boostered over six months, at present are required to quarantine for seven days and test clear on day seven.

But they will not be required to quarantine as a close contact, although they should get tested as soon as possible from Monday. If their test result is clear, they are still required to administer daily antigen tests at home.

They should follow strict public health guidance until Day 7, wear a mask around others, avoid indoor public places, avoid large gatherings and high-risk settings and monitor symptoms until Day 14.

First and second doses of the vaccine are still available at Pier 6 in Hamilton.

People who want first or second doses free of charge will have until next Thursday to get them.

First doses will still be administered at Pier 6 after March 10 – but second doses will not be available free at Pier 6 as there will not be enough time for a second jab before the clinic closes on March 31.