Hospital admissions in England up 48% in one week in highest number since February

There were 1,374 Covid-19 hospital admissions in England on December 26, NHS England said as worrying new data has been made public

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Hospital admissions in England are up by nearly 50 per cent, new data shows.

There were 1,374 Covid-19 hospital admissions in England on December 26, NHS England said.

This is up 48% week-on-week and is the highest number since February 11.

During the second wave of coronavirus, admissions peaked at 4,134 on January 12.

In London, 374 admissions were reported on December 26, up 53% week-on-week but slightly below the 390 admissions reported on December 23.

Hospital admissions in England are up 48%, it has been confirmed
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Victoria Jones/PA Wire)

Admissions during the second wave peaked in London at 977 on January 6.

The number of Covid-19 admissions includes people admitted to hospital in the previous 24 hours who were known to have Covid-19, plus any patients diagnosed in hospital with Covid-19 in the previous 24 hours.

A total of 9,546 people were in hospital in England with Covid-19 as of 8am on December 28, according to new figures from NHS England.

This is up 38% from a week earlier and is the highest number since March 3.
During the second wave of coronavirus, the number peaked at 34,336 on January 18.

Almost 10,000 were in hospital in England with Covid-19 as of 8am today
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AFP via Getty Images)

In London, 3,024 people were in hospital with Covid-19 on December 28, up 59% week-on-week and the highest number since February 19.

The second-wave peak for London was 7,917 on January 18.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson will not introduce further Covid restrictions in England before 2022, it has been confirmed.

The PM is giving mass events the go-ahead and allowing nightclubs to open for New Year’s Eve – unlike all other UK nations.

Boris Johnson says party on – no nightclub or bar closures are planned for New Year’s Eve
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NB PRESS LTD)

Scientists and experts have slammed the decision, which came as England recorded its highest number of Covid infections.

One said it was the moment of “the greatest divergence between scientific advice and legislation” seen since the start of the pandemic.

Mr Johnson’s cabinet rejected new measures before Christmas.

Health secretary, Sajid Javid said people should take steps themselves to protect others as government decide against following Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

“We won’t be taking any further measures. Of course people should remain cautious as we approach new year celebrations and take a lateral flow test if that makes sense, celebrate outdoors if you can, have some ventilation indoors if you can,” he said.