The number of people in hospital with Covid-19 is on the increase in Wales, latest figures reveal. Data from the Welsh Government shows that 437 patients 'confirmed' with the virus were in general, acute and critical care beds on October 4 - double the number a month ago and the highest since July 22.
However, it must be noted that just 29 (7%) of these people were being actively treated for the virus and were therefore in hospital for other reasons. At the start of the year it was common for 30-40% of Covid hospital patients to be actively treated for the virus.
Nevertheless, if there are more people testing positive for coronavirus in Welsh hospitals it does pose a problem for NHS staff. Not only do these patients need to be separated from those who are negative to prevent a spike in hospital-acquired infections, it raises the risk of staff contracting the disease and needing to take time off, further adding to the workforce crisis.
