Covid Numbers Rising Again

18th August 2023

COVID-19 surveillance up until end of week 32.

COVID-19 case rates continued to increase this week compared to our previous report. A total 7.1% of 4,303 respiratory specimens reported through the Respiratory DataMart System were identified as COVID-19. This is compared to 5.4% of 4,396 from the previous report.

Positivity for pillar one laboratory confirmed cases for week 32 was 10.8 per 100,000 population.

The overall COVID-19 hospital admission rate for week 32 was 3.00 per 100,000 population, an increase from 1.97 per 100,000 in the previous report.

ICU admission rates have increased to 0.08 compared to 0.05 in the previous report.

Hospital admission rates have increased in all age groups, except those aged 15 to 24 years.

Those aged 85 years and over continue to have the highest hospital admission rates; these have increased to 32.63 per 100,000 from 20.49 per 100,000 in the previous report. Admission rates among those aged 75 to 84 years have increased to 15.71 per 100,000 from 9.45 in the previous report.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

The latest data shows that COVID-19 cases continue to rise. To help combat the spread of the virus, we continue to advise that anyone with symptoms of a respiratory infection should try to stay at home and away from others - especially those who are vulnerable.

Hospitalisations are also increasing, but still remain at very low levels. ICU admissions have increased in this week's report, but remain extremely low. We will continue to monitor these rates closely.

We urge everyone eligible to take up the vaccine when offered by the NHS this autumn.

Last week we announced the eligible groups available for the 2023 autumn booster. This includes those who are aged 65 years and over, those within a clinical risk group, or those who live and work closely with vulnerable people.