The island’s confirmed Covid-19 cases are in a slow two-week decline, with 122 active cases reported by health officials this afternoon.

Six hospital patients are being treated for coronavirus and none are in intensive care.

Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, advised parents to safeguard youngsters at the return to school, after two years of disruptions.

She said the year ahead was expected to go “relatively smoothly – especially if we prioritise their health”.

The latest round of figures follow 141 active cases of the virus reported on August 31, when there were seven people being treated in hospital – with none in intensive care.

Cases of the virus have been dominated by the Omicron variant throughout this year.

A significant spike in cases began at the end of 2021 and peaked sharply near mid-January.

The island’s Covid-19 numbers have tended to hover throughout the year since in low-grade troughs and peaks in the low hundreds of active cases.

The last deaths – four fatalities reported on August 3 – brought the total known toll of the pandemic to 148.

Total known cases of the pandemic have now hit 18,019.

There were 4,574 tests carried out over the last week, with 106 found positive to yield a 2 per cent positivity rate.

Of new cases, 80 came from overseas, 26 were said to be from local transmission and seven are under investigation, while 125 people have recovered from the virus.

Ms Wilson advised parents to discuss with their children how they feel about returning to school, and to schedule check-ups with their doctors and dentists.

Families were called on to catch up on missed vaccinations, focus on healthy eating, and to stay active, with plenty of rest scheduled for children.

Youngsters should be reminded of the importance of hand hygiene, especially before and after eating – and carry tissues, hand sanitiser and a face mask.

Check-ups can be scheduled with the island’s child health clinics by calling 278-6460.