Coronavirus cases and hospitalisations are rising once again in England after declining since early July, data suggests, with experts warning people should stay at home if ill and get a Covid booster if eligible.
According to the latest figures on the government coronavirus dashboard, both the number of cases detected through mass community testing, and patients admitted to hospital with Covid have risen in the past seven days, suggesting the country could be facing a resurgence of the virus.
On Monday, 781 Covid patients were admitted to hospital in England, up from 519 the week before, with the seven day total rising 17%, from 3,434 in the week ending 12 September to 4,015 in the week ending 19 September.
As noted by the Health Service Journal, admissions in the south-west rose 39%, to 509, in the last seven days, and by 30% in the north-east and Yorkshire region.
While data on Covid infection levels across the UK is expected from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) tomorrow, data from the Zoe health study suggests cases are rising, with hints also seen in the latest figures for the number of cases picked up in mass community testing in England.
Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, said there were actions people could take.
“While Covid-19 rates are still low, the latest data for the last seven days indicate a rise in hospitalisations and a rise in positive tests reported from the community,” she said.
“For those eligible, the time to get your autumn booster is now. Getting a booster will give your immune system time to build up your protection against being severely ill from Covid-19 as we move into winter.
“All of the available boosters provide good protection against severe illness from Covid-19 and getting your booster sooner rather than later is crucial.
“As it gets colder and we head towards winter, we will start to see respiratory infections pick up – please try to stay at home if you are unwell and avoid contact with vulnerable people.”
