The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the rate of positive Covid-19 tests in hospitals has increased from 5.9 to 7.0%, according to the latest figures in September, and also up is the hospital admission rate which is up by a massive 50%
Covid cases in the UK are rising with one specific strain spreading fast. Experts have warned that ‘American Covid” numbers are rising in England, with an increase in positive tests and hospital admissions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the rate of positive Covid-19 tests in hospitals has increased from 5.9 to 7.0%, according to the latest figures in September, and also up is the hospital admission rate which is up by a massive 50%.
The highest rate of Covid was seen in London which has increased by 79%, according to figures, with more than half of these positive tests found to be ‘American Covid’ – known to be a variant of XFG. The World Health Organisation has identified it as a mix of earlier variants LF.7 and LP.8.1.2.
Covid-19 hospitalisations peaked in January 2021, according to the UKHSA’s data dashboard, with more than 30,000 in hospital at one point. Vaccination campaigns have continued each autumn since then to try to prevent hospitalisations and deaths but now cases are rising again, and health experts are advising those eligible to make sure they take up their Covid jabs when offered.
Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at the UKHSA, said: “While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK.
“UKHSA is monitoring all the data relating to Covid-19 variants in the UK and abroad, and we continue to publish our findings in our regular surveillance reports.”
The UKHSA said the most recent Stratus strain has been in circulation for a year, so this winter’s vaccine should be very effective and is specifically designed to protect against it and its variants.
Dr Matthew Siggins, lecturer in immunity and infection biology at the University of Surrey, said that the rise was not a “reason for alarm” as many people remained immune from previous infection and vaccination.
He said: “There is no evidence that variants currently circulating in the UK are causing more severe disease, however Covid can still cause serious illness in those at greatest risk.”
Under a rule change, people no longer need to take lateral flow tests but those who are known to be positive should still stay at home as much as possible and avoid contact with other people for five days, or three days for those under 18. Everyone who tests positive should avoid meeting people with weakened immune systems for 10 days after the day they took the test.
Dr Siggins added: “Covid is increasing, which is not unexpected for this time of year, but remains at a low level. Waning immunity, changes in circulating variants, as well as increased indoor mixing can all contribute to increasing rates of infection.”