Weekly National Flu And Covid-19 Surveillance Reports Published

National influenza and COVID-19 report, monitoring coronavirus (COVID-19) activity, seasonal flu and other seasonal respiratory illnesses.

The main points from this week’s national influenza and COVID-19 surveillance report are:

Surveillance indicators suggest that at a national level COVID-19 activity decreased in week 4 of 2021, between 25 and 31 January.

Case rates have decreased across all age groups, with the highest rate 358.6 per 100,000 population seen in those aged between 30 to 39 years old.

Case rates per 100,000 have fallen across all regions – they are now highest in the West Midlands with a rate of 319.9.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 1,100 in week 4, compared to 1,499 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for COVID-19 was 25.26 per 100,000 in week 4, compared to 33.66 per 100,000 in the previous week.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 have fallen across all regions.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 continue to be highest in the West Midlands with a rate of 37.48.

The highest hospital admission rates continue to be those aged 85 and above.

Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at Public Health England, said:

"However encouraging it is that case rates and hospitalisations continue to fall across all age groups and regions, it is important to reduce the level of infection in our communities because the rates remain very high. We may have passed the peak but must not become complacent. Dropping our guard at this stage could waste everything we have endured over the last few weeks.

"Please remember around one in three people with the virus do not show symptoms – but can still pass it on and make others seriously ill. Stay at home and reduce your contacts. This is the best way to further bring down infections rates and save lives."