A "concerning" surge in Covid hospital cases and infections has seen health chiefs issue a warning around care homes in the pandemic once more.
Covid levels are at their “highest in months” with top scientists voicing concerns about rising rates and outbreaks, ahead of what could be a tough winter for the UK.
As temperatures drop, the country has seen a sustained increase in Covid infection and hospitalisation rates in recent weeks - taking them to levels not seen since early summer.
UK Health Security Agency chiefs warned the rocketing rates were showing “concerning further increases” and also warned that care homes were once more at the heart of incidents.
Parts of the UK saw hospitalisations soar 250 per cent, as the latest data from the government warned care homes were once again emerging as the epicentres of outbreaks.
On top of that, there was a particular “noted” increase in hospitalisations amongst the elderly - both drawing haunting similarities with the worst of the early pandemic.
Government data showed how the over-85s have seen a dramatic increase in Covid hospitalisations over the past week - more than doubling during that timeframe.
The majority of Covid indicators reflected the rise with a shocking 61 per cent increase in suspected outbreaks across the UK, compared with last week.
Nationally, the hospitalisation rate increased nearly 50 per cent to 10.83 people per 100,000.
The South West acting as a severe hotspot with a 250 per cent increase in hospitalisations since mid-September.
However, all regions saw hospitalisations trend upwards, with many having levels not far behind the South West.
The experts admitted their concern at the rising figures and there has long been worry that the country may be set for another difficult Covid winter.
Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “This week’s data shows concerning further increases in COVID-19 cases and hospitalisation rates, which are now at their highest level in months. Outbreaks in hospitals and care homes are also on the rise.
“Make sure you have any COVID-19 vaccinations you are eligible for and avoid contact with others if you feel unwell or have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
“If you are unwell, it is particularly important to avoid contact with elderly people or those who are more likely to have severe disease because of their ongoing health conditions.
“If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, wearing a face covering will also help stop infections spreading.”
Data indicated that parts of the North West and Midlands, and South West were the worst affected regions for rocketing case rates.
Devon, Nottinghamshire, and Cumbria all recorded the worst rates of Covid cases nationwide, with over 25 new cases per 100,000 people in the past week.
However, a string of counties from Herefordshire, north Shropshire to Cheshire all came close behind in terms of rates.
