The number of Covid-19 cases rose by two today after 12 new cases were reported last night.

But health officials said ten people had recovered from infection and the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital had fallen to the lowest levels in more than two months.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said the vaccine booster programme was now “well on its way” with third jabs now available for healthcare workers and other essential services staff.

The Ministry of Health said ten new cases were among 1,797 tests carried out on Tuesday.

Another two new cases were discovered among the 1,751 tests carried out on Wednesday.

Three of the new cases came in from overseas and seven were the result of on-island transmissions.

The sources of two of the cases are under investigation.

There are 59 active cases on the island, but only six are in hospital with one in the intensive care unit - the lowest numbers since the first week of September.

All of the active cases that have been typed have been found to be the more virulent Delta strain.

The Ministry of Health said that 91 per cent of the active cases from overseas were vaccinated and 32 per cent of the on-island transmissions or under-investigation cases had been fully vaccinated.

The seven-day average of the island’s real-time reproduction number is 0.49.

Bermuda's country status remained at “community transmission”.

The vaccine booster programme has now expanded to allow people as young as 50 to get a booster shot.

Essential workers include hospital staff, police officers, fire service, Royal Bermuda Regiment soldiers, prison officers, utility workers, stevedores and others such as teachers.

People with chronic conditions are also eligible for boosters.

Pregnant women who have had a second dose at least six months earlier can also make an appointment for a booster.

Those aged 65 or older who had the second dose of vaccine more than six months ago can walk in to Pier Six on Front Street, Hamilton for a booster.

Ms Wilson added: “The Covid-19 vaccine remains our best defence in preventing the spread of this virus.

“It will decrease symptoms and severe illness and, in most cases, prevent death.”