There has been a continued overall increase in Covid case numbers this week, according to the government’s weekly surveillance report.

However, the reproduction rate has fallen slightly since last week to 2.00, indicating a slowing in the rate of increase.

The rise in cases has been seen across most age groups this week, with increases across all ages (other than those aged under four).

Although most cases continue to be in the 30 to 59 age group, there has also been a smaller rise in older adults and children and young people (aged five to 19).

The report states the upward trend over the past few weeks is in line with that being seen across the British Isles.

It is likely to result from increased travel, changing behaviour and mixing following reduction of restrictions here and elsewhere and the increased transmissibility of the BA.2 variant of omicron, which is now widespread here and across the British Isles.

How long this persists will depend on levels of immunity, patterns of mixing and travel, all of which have an impact on transmission.

The BA.2 variant of Omicron is now responsible for about 75% of Covid cases sequenced worldwide.

No more Covid-19-related deaths have been confirmed in the island within the report.

The current seven-day average for reported positive results is 190 – at the same time last week, the average was 109.

The effective reproduction number (Rt) is 2.00 – down from 2.14 last week, but still up from 1.77 the week before.

Yesterday afternoon there were 1,734 active cases in the island – up from 1,010 at the same time last week and 604 the week before.

Of the 1,734 active cases on Thursday, 283 had been detected since Wednesday. Fourteen were detected via PCR tests; 269 by lateral flows.

There is also an increase of people in hospital with the virus, with nine patients confirmed within the report.

There are still no cases in the intensive care unit.

At the end of the month, the island will drop the majority of its remaining coronavirus restrictions, much like the rest of the states in the Common Travel Area (CTA).

The government made the decision as a result of the island’s high vaccination rate.