Health officials yesterday said there has been a modest drop in Covid-19 cases, with 121 people infected and five people in hospital.

At the island’s last update on August 17, there were 144 active cases with seven people undergoing hospital treatment – but none in intensive care.

The total death toll of the pandemic stands at 148, after four deaths linked to the virus were revealed on August 3.

Kim Wilson, the health minister, said the island’s cases “remain manageable”.

Ms Wilson also said there were reports of other illnesses linked with fever and respiratory symptoms, gastroenteritis, and chickenpox.

“If you are unwell, regardless of being negative for the coronavirus, stay at home until you get well.”

She said queries continued regarding the availability of monkeypox vaccine doses.

“The Ministry of Health is working with Government House and the United States Consulate to source vaccines and antivirals for monkeypox.

“Given the worldwide scarcity of these vaccines and antivirals, we will not likely get a supply soon.”

The latest Covid-19 figures came from 4,023 tests over the last week, with 109 positive – a test positivity rate of 3 per cent.

Of the new cases, 56 are imported, 13 are classed and local transmission and 40 are under investigation. There have been 134 recoveries.