Weekly National Flu And Covid-19 Surveillance Reports Published
7th January 2021
National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.
COVID-19
Surveillance indicators suggest that COVID-19 activity at a national level has continued to increase during week 53 between 28 December and 3 January.
Case rates have increased across all age groups, with the highest rate 842.5 per 100,000 population seen in those aged between 20 to 29 years old.
Case rates per 100,000 have increased across all regions and are the highest in London with a rate of 904.8 per 100,000 population.
The West Midlands has seen the highest increase in case rates per 100,000 population, with 530.2 in week 53 compared to 292.6 in the previous week.
Positivity rates through Pillar 1 (NHS and PHE testing) and Pillar 2 (community testing) have both increased compared to the previous week.
The number of acute respiratory infection incidents in England was 1,200 in week 53, compared to 846 in the previous week.
The hospital admission rate for COVID-19 was 27.6 per 100,000 in week 53, compared to 21.51 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 have increased in all regions and London is the highest with a rate of 43.38.
The highest hospital admission rates continue to be those aged 85.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England, said:
I want to pay tribute to staff across the health service who are working flat out to manage this virus and care for patients. The data bring into focus the huge pressure the health service is under. Sadly, we are seeing more deaths each day and these numbers will continue to rise before we see the impact of the nationwide lockdown.
We saw a sharp acceleration in infection rates last week to the highest levels since mass testing began. It is of particular concern that rates are high in those in older age groups who are at risk of more serious illness as well as people in their twenties and thirties.
There is one simple and critical thing we can all do to help control the virus and reduce infection. Stay at home, it will protect the NHS and save lives. We have done this before to great effect and must do so again as we vaccinate the most vulnerable.
Influenza
Flu activity, including GP consultations and hospital admissions, remains low.
Flu vaccine uptake is higher in all groups compared to this time last year.
Provisional data suggests uptake rates are:
80.3% in 65+ year olds
51.5% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group
43.1% in pregnant women
54.0% in 2 year olds
56.5% in 3 year olds
47.5% in school-age children (as of 30 November)
70.6% in healthcare workers (as of 30 November)
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Head of Flu at Public Health England, said:
The flu vaccine saves lives. It is therefore very encouraging to see record-high uptake rates this season, especially among the groups most vulnerable to flu, who are also most at-risk from COVID-19.
There is still time to get vaccinated against flu and we urge anyone who is eligible to take up the offer to help protect yourself, your family and the NHS.
Previous updates
Thursday 24 December 2020
The main points from this week's national influenza and COVID-19 surveillance report are:
COVID-19
Surveillance indicators suggest that COVID-19 activity at a national level has increased during week 51 between 14 and 20 December 2020.
Case rates have increased across all age groups, with the highest rate 434.6 per 100,000 population seen in those aged between 30 and 39.
Case rates per 100,000 have increased across all regions and are the highest in London with a rate of 602.2 per 100,000 population.
London has also seen the highest increase in case rates per 100,000 population with 602.2 in week 51 compared to 361.8 in the previous week.
Positivity rates through Pillar 1 (NHS and PHE testing) and Pillar 2 (community testing) have both increased compared to the previous week.
The number of acute respiratory infection incidents in England was 922 in week 51, compared to 860 in the previous week.
The hospital admission rate for COVID-19 was 18.66 per 100,000 in week 51, compared to 15.18 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 have increased in all regions except for the North East but this region also has the highest rate of 23.44
The highest hospital admission rates continue to be those aged 85.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England, said:
Cases and hospital admission rates are increasing across many parts of the country and the number of new daily infections are rising rapidly. This will not be a normal Christmas for any of us. If you are seeing loved ones, try to keep your distance, was your hands thoroughly and more often and ventilate as much as possible.
By continuing to reduce your contacts you can help to slow the spread of COVID-19. Remember that about 1 in 3 people may never experience any symptoms so could infect others without realising it.
Influenza
Flu activity, including GP consultations and hospital admissions, remains low.
Flu vaccine uptake is higher in all groups compared to this time last year. Provisional data suggests uptake rates are:
79.8% in over 65 year olds
50.1% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group
42.4% in pregnant women
21.4% in those aged 50 to 64 who are not in a clinical risk group (this group became eligible on the 1 December 2020)
53.3% in 2 year olds
55.7% in 3 year olds
47.5% in school age children (as of 30 November)
70.6% in healthcare workers (as of 30 November)
Thursday 17 December 2020
The main points from this week’s national influenza and COVID-19 surveillance report are:
COVID-19
Surveillance indicators suggest that COVID-19 activity at a national level has increased during week 50 between 7 and 13 December 2020.
Case rates have increased across all age groups, with the highest rate 268.3 per 100,000 population during week 50 compared to 201.8 in the previous week seen in those aged between 40 to 49 year olds.
Case rates per 100,000 have only fallen in Yorkshire and the Humber; they have increased in all other regions.
Case rates per 100,000 continue to be the highest in London with a rate of 319.3 per 100,000 population.
London has also seen the highest increase in case rates per 100,000 population with 319.3 in week 50 compared to 199.9 in the previous week.
Positivity rates through Pillar 1 (NHS and PHE testing) and Pillar 2 (community testing) have both increased compared to the previous week.
The number of acute respiratory infection incidents in England was 860 in week 50, compared to 786 in the previous week.
The hospital admission rate for COVID-19 was 15.18 per 100,000 in week 50, compared to 13.97 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 have increased in all regions except for the East and West Midlands
The highest hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were observed in the North East, at 23.75
The highest hospital admission rates continue to be those aged 85.
Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England, said:
Case and hospital admission rates have increased across most of the country and the number of new daily infections are rising. This is deeply concerning and should make us all consider our plans to see loved ones at Christmas.
A smaller, shorter and local Christmas is safest for you and your loved ones. It is crucial to remember that about 1 in 3 people may never experience any symptoms so could pass this virus on unwittingly. Remember to keep your distance, wear a face covering in enclosed spaces, and wash your hands regularly.
Influenza
Flu activity, including GP consultations and hospital admissions, remains low.
Flu vaccine uptake is higher in all groups compared to this time last year. Provisional data suggests uptake rates are:
79.4% in over 65 year olds
49.1% in under 65 years in a clinical risk group
41.8% in pregnant women
17.7% in those aged 50 to 64 who are not in a clinical risk group (this group became eligible on the 1 December 2020)
52.2% in 2 year olds
54.6% in 3 year olds
19.8% in school-age children (as of 31 October)
51.6% in healthcare workers (as of 31 October)
Dr Vanessa Saliba, Head of Flu at PHE said:
We have had an incredible flu vaccination programme so far, with record uptake in those aged over 65 and 2 to 3 year olds. With over 30 million doses available this season, more people than ever are being offered a free flu vaccine.
There is still time to get vaccinated against flu before it starts circulating in the community. We are urging anyone who is eligible to take up the offer. By getting the jab, you can help protect yourself, your family and the NHS - it will help save lives.
