North West Has Highest Hospital Admission Rates for COVID-19

COVID-19 case rates have continued to decrease across almost all indicators.

A total of 6.6% of 5,093 respiratory specimens reported through the Respiratory DataMart System were identified as COVID-19. This is a decrease compared to the previous week where 7.6% of 4,362 specimens were found to be COVID-19.

Pillar 1 positivity for this week’s report is 9.2% positivity, resulting in 255 cases, a decrease from 11.0% positivity, resulting in 328 cases in the previous week.

The overall COVID-19 hospital admission rate is 2.84 per 100,000 population, a decrease from 3.45 per 100,000 in the previous week.

ICU and high dependency units (HDU) admission rates for this week’s report remained low and stable, at 0.12 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates have continued to decrease in most age groups.

Those aged 85 years and over continue to have the highest hospital admission rates; these have continued to decrease this week to 29.52 per 100,000 population from 39.20 per 100,000 in the previous week.

Admission rates among those aged 75 to 84 years have also continued to decrease; this week, the data is 13.29 per 100,000 population compared to 15.37 per 100,000 in the previous week.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 are highest in the North West at 4.18 per 100,000 population this week.

A total 65.8% (7,341,043 out of 11,164,326) of all people aged over 65 years who are living and resident in England have been vaccinated with an autumn 2023 COVID-19 booster dose since 1 September 2023.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist for Immunisation at UKHSA said:

Our weekly surveillance shows flu levels remain generally stable, although we are now starting to see a slight increase in cases among young children. We will continue to monitor these rates closely as we approach the winter period, where we expect to see a rise in prevalence. This week, once again we see a decrease in COVID-19 activity.

We remind people that if you are experiencing symptoms of a respiratory illness, you should avoid mixing with others where possible to stop the spread of viruses like flu and COVID-19.

Heading into winter, the flu vaccine continues to offer the best protection against what can be a very severe illness for the more vulnerable, including pregnant women as well as those aged 2 and 3 years who are all eligible for a free NHS vaccine. You can book your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and check your eligibility online.
Norovirus surveillance up until end of week 44
Norovirus laboratory reports decreased in recent weeks and during the 2-week period of the 2023 to 2024 season (weeks 43 and 44) were 21% lower than the 5-season average of the same period.

Overall, the total number of reported enteric virus (all suspected or confirmed as norovirus) outbreaks reported during weeks 43 and 44 remained lower than the 5-season average for the same 2-week period. The majority of outbreaks (63%) were in care home settings.

 Amy Douglas, Norovirus Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said:

While norovirus cases are still low, we expect cases to rise as festive season gets underway. It’s really important we take steps to try and stop the spread. If you or a family member have been sick with norovirus, you should avoid visiting hospitals and care homes, and not return to work or school, until 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped.

Hand gels do not kill norovirus, so handwashing with soap and warm water is best. Using bleach-based products to clean surfaces will also help stop the virus from spreading.

Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration which can result in hospitalisation, particularly for the most vulnerable.