Latest COVID 🦠

COVID levels have declined across England, Scotland, and Wales this week, with reductions in hospital admissions and case rates. However, admissions in Wales remain moderately high, and deaths across the UK continue to rise.

Latest COVID 🦠


▪ COVID-19 Surveillance Data (from UKHSA) ▪

  • COVID-19 activity decreased across most indicators and was at low levels
  • SARS-CoV-2 weekly average positivity rate decreased to 9.3% compared to 11.9% in the previous week - this is based on a percentage of people who test positive in hospital settings
  • COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased to 2.79 per 100,000 compared to 3.66 per 100,000 in the previous week
  • COVID-19 ICU admissions decreased to 0.10 per 100,000 compared with 0.14 per 100,000 in the previous week
  • There were 20 COVID-19 acute respiratory incidents reported in week 44
  • Positivity rates were highest in those aged 85 or more years, at a weekly average positivity rate of 16.4%, a decrease from the previous week, when positivity rates were at 20.1% among those aged 85 years and over
  • The highest hospital admission rate is currently in the North East at 6.17 per 100,000, decreasing from 7.70 per 100,000 in the previous week
  • Those aged 85 years and over had the highest hospital admission rate, which decreased to 32.56 per 100,000 compared with 39.27 in the previous week
  • Up to the end of week 44, 17.9% of those under 65 years in a clinical risk group and 48.3% of all people aged over 65 years old, who are living and resident in England had been vaccinated with an Autumn 2024 booster dose



▪ SUMMARY ▪

This week’s COVID-19 report shows a general improvement, with declines in hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and respiratory incident cases. Positivity rates among elderly people have dropped, and the highest hospital admission region saw fewer cases. Vaccination rates for the Autumn booster have also risen, especially among those over 65. Overall, COVID-19 activity remains low and is decreasing across most metrics; however, the number of COVID-19 deaths has increased.

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


▪ COVID CHART ▪

— ENGLAND DATA ONLY. | Credit: Dr Joe Pajak

  266 COVID deaths in England in the 7 days up to 25 Oct 2024. Up 14.7% on the previous 7 days. Up over 100% compared with the 131 COVID deaths in the week ending 27 Sep 2024. The latest wave may be over, the next wave may be beginning, these are not insignificant numbers dying.
— Dr Joe Pajak






▪ Variant Data


▪ VARIANT – ANALYSIS ▪

Key observations: The KP.3.1.1 variant remains the most dominant, significantly outpacing others, though it is in decline, while the XEC variant, now also representing a large proportion of cases in the UK, is gaining traction.

The three other main variants (MC.13, XEC.2, and MC.1) have much lower prevalence. The findings suggest a mix of co-circulating variants with reduced dominance across the UK.



Reminder: 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 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 has now reached 242,721, which 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.







▪ FREE COVID TOOL

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