Latest COVID 🦠

Latest Weekly UK COVID-19 Data. COVID levels are stable but higher than earlier in the year. Hospital admissions vary regionally, with increases in the Midlands and in the North, while Wales and Northern Ireland show steady trends.

Latest COVID 🦠


COVID-19 surveillance data for week 41 (UKHSA):

  • COVID-19 activity varied across most indicators compared with the previous week
  • SARS-CoV-2 weekly average positivity rate increased slightly at 14.6% compared to 13.5% in the previous week. This is based on a percentage of people who test positive in hospital settings
  • COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable at 4.64 per 100,000 compared to 4.46 per 100,000 in the previous week
  • COVID-19 ICU admissions decreased to 0.10 per 100,000 in week 10 compared with 0.11 in the previous week
  • There were 68 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 41 Positivity rates were highest in those aged 85 or more years, at a weekly average positivity rate of 23.7%, an increase from the previous week
  • The highest hospital admission rate is currently in the North East at 8.91 per 100,000
  • Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which remained stable at 52.65 per 100,000 compared with 51.28 in the previous week
  • Up to the end of week 41, 8.5% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 24.7% of all people aged over 65 years old, who are living and resident in England had been vaccinated with an Autumn 2024 booster dose




▪ UK ANALYSIS

Recent data show stable COVID levels across the UK, though higher than earlier in the year. In England, test positivity and hospital admissions have plateaued, with regional variations—admissions rising in the Midlands and North but decreasing in the South. Daily case rates have stabilised in most areas. Scotland’s hospital admissions remain stable but higher than earlier in the year. In Wales, cases stayed the same, while admissions slightly decreased. Northern Ireland’s COVID activity is steady, but Flu and RSV are rising.


Note that a recent Danish study has revealed that COVID leads to more than double the hospitalisations and deaths compared to Flu.



REMINDER: The NHS Autumn 2024 booster campaign is now open. Book your vaccination now: click here.



— ENGLAND DATA ONLY. | Credit: Dr Joe Pajak
“COVID cases and hospitalisations rising, alongside a seasonal rise in Flu and RSV, adding to the pressures on NHS services. The threat of these viruses is real, the best defence is vaccination – it is crucial that those who could be vulnerable are eligible for a free vaccine.”

— Dr Joe Pajak







▪ Variant Data



▪ VARIANT -- ANALYSIS

Key observations: Britons have been issued a 10-day COVID isolation warning by the NHS to limit the spread of the new XEC variant, following a rise in cases and deaths. UK Health authorities urge isolation to prevent further transmission.


The NHS explains: “When someone with COVID-19 breathes, speaks, coughs or sneezes, they release small droplets containing the virus. You can catch it by breathing in these droplets, or by touching surfaces covered in them and then touching your eyes, nose or mouth. You are more likely to catch it indoors and in crowded places.”


The NHS adds that you can still be infectious for “up to 10 days”.


COVID-19 can be spread even if you:
  • Have no symptoms;
  • Are fully vaccinated;
  • Have had the virus before.


If you test positive for COVID-19:
  • Stay at home and avoid contact for five days if aged 18 or over;
  • Avoid meeting high-risk individuals for 10 days after testing.


To reduce transmission:
  • Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing;
  • Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces;
  • Stay away from others until you feel better;
  • Inform visitors of your positive result;
  • Ask others for help with essentials;
  • Avoid crowded or poorly ventilated spaces;
  • Wear a face covering when distancing is difficult;
  • Notify healthcare professionals if attending appointments.







▪ Vaccination Data

▪ VACCINATION ANALYSIS

Key observations: The largest group of the UK population aged 12+ last received a COVID vaccination over two years ago, particularly under-50s and those ineligible for boosters. Over a quarter remain unvaccinated. Immunity mainly stems from infections, with lingering risks of Long COVID despite low hospitalisation or death rates.









▪ COVID Death Data

▪ COVID DEATH ANALYSIS

Last week, there was another increase in weekly deaths. The total number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 (242,198) still underscores the pandemic’s continuing impact and the need for sustained public health interventions and support for affected individuals, the most vulnerable and their families.










▪ COVID Free Aerosol Transmission Estimator

▪ FREE TOOL FOR EVERYONE

Try this FREE risk assessment tool to estimate indoor airborne transmission of COVID-19 around you.





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