The number of patients in hospitals with Covid in England has jumped by 69% in a month as cases rise. Some 2,052 people were being treated on wards for the virus on September 30, the latest day for which NHS data was available. This was up from 1,216 on August 31.
The UK Health Security Agency last week confirmed that Covid was “circulating at medium levels”, while hospitalisations for flu were much lower. Infections are expected to rise for both viruses in the coming months as people spend more time indoors.
NHS data showed the number of people being treated in hospitals in each region of England, as of September 30:
East of England: 177London: 260Midlands: 428North East and Yorkshire: 434North West: 293South East: 248South West: 212
The health service is urging everyone eligible to come forward for vaccinations this autumn, to maximise their protection ahead of winter and reduce pressure on hospitals.
Some 4.3 million people have received a flu vaccine and more than one million have had a Covid jab so far.
Dr Amanda Doyle, national director for primary care and community services at NHS England, said: “Vaccination is a crucial part of our efforts to protect the vulnerable and prepare for what we expect to be a very challenging winter.
“I’m delighted to see this big increase in the numbers of people getting vaccinated at this stage.
“It is all the more vital as data shows viruses are beginning to increase, with our teams working extremely hard to make it as easy as possible to get vaccinated at your local GP practice, pharmacy, school or other community clinic.
You can book an appointment via the NHS App, your local GP practice, online at www.nhs.uk/bookflu or www.nhs.uk/bookcovid, or by calling 119.