COVID-19 case rates decreased in week 15 in all age groups, regions, and most ethnic groups. Data from Respiratory Datamart suggests that SARS-CoV-2 positivity remains stable at 7.8% compared to 8.3% in the previous week. The highest positivity was seen in the group of those aged 65 years and over at 11.1%.
Hospital admission rates have decreased in almost all age groups. The highest admission rates continue to be seen in the over 75s, with those aged 75 to 84 years at 32.5 per 100,000 population and those aged over 85 years at 73.7 per 100,000. The overall COVID-19 hospital admission rate for week 15 was 6.2 per 100,000 population, a decrease from 6.5 per 100,000 in the previous week.
Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 are highest in the North East for the seventh consecutive week, with a rate of 9.0 per 100,000 population, a decrease from 10.9 per 100,000 in week 14.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist for Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "The COVID-19 spring booster is now available to all those aged 75 years and over, and those aged 5 years and over with weakened immune systems. We are continuing to see the highest hospital admission rates for COVID-19 among the over-75s, so it is important everyone in this age group keeps their immunity topped up by booking in for their booster via the National Booking Service or the NHS App."
