The number of people being admitted to hospital with Covid-19 in Greater Manchester has almost doubled in the space of a week. There were 251 Covid-related hospital admissions in the week ending June 12, compared to 133 the week before - an increase of 89pc.
A graph produced by the Manchester Evening News highlights the worrying upward trend and marks the first significant increase to hospitalisations since March. However, patient numbers remain far below the rate of hospitalisations seen in previous waves.
The sharp rise follows the emergence of Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5, which were designated as variants of concern in the UK on May 20. The two mutations, first detected in Africa in January and February, have been cited by the ONS (Office for National Statistics) as a likely cause for rising infection rates throughout the UK.
READ MORE : Warning that UK could be on the brink of new Covid wave with virus becoming 'more dangerous'
Reported cases are up in all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester, with infections rising fastest in Tameside (89pc) and Bolton (84pc) in the week ending June 12. Stockport had the highest infection rate, at 108.4 cases per 100,000 people, but all the boroughs had a rate lower than the national average of 118 cases per 100,000 people.
Earlier this week, it was warned that UK could be on the brink of new Covid wave with virus becoming 'more dangerous'. According to the latest ONS figures published today (Friday June 17) around one in 50 people in England currently have Covid-19 - up from one in 70 the week before.
It is estimated that one in 45 have the virus in both Wales and Northern Ireland, while in Scotland, ONS says that the infection rate is one in 30.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Clinical Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "After a period of low case rates, we are now seeing increases in outbreaks within care homes and in hospitalisations among those aged 80 years and over. It is encouraging that we are not seeing an increase in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions but we are monitoring data closely and assessing the possible impact of subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.
"As we enter summer, it’s still important to remember that COVID-19 has not gone away and to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus. If you’re not yet up to date with your jabs please come forward now – it’s not too late to get protected. Remember to observe good hand and respiratory hygiene. It is also sensible to wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces. If you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, and a high temperature or feel unwell, try to stay at home or away from others – especially elderly or vulnerable people."
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