LATEST UPDATE PUBLISHED 31st AUGUST
This fortnightly flu and COVID-19 report brings together the latest surveillance data along with the latest public health advice.
COVID-19 surveillance up until end of week 34
COVID-19 case rates continued to increase this week compared to our previous report. A total 9.7% of 4,288 respiratory specimens reported through the Respiratory DataMart System were identified as COVID-19. This is compared to 7.1% of 4,303 from the previous report.
The overall COVID-19 hospital admission rate for week 34 was 3.37 per 100,000 population, an increase from 3.00 per 100,000 in the previous report.
Intensive care units (ICU) admission rates have increased to 0.11 per 100,000 compared to 0.08 per 100,000 in the previous report.
Hospital admission rates have increased in most age groups.
Those aged 85 years and over continue to have the highest hospital admission rates; these have increased to 34.15 per 100,000 from 32.63 per 100,000 in the previous report. Admission rates among those aged 75 to 84 years have increased to 17.66 per 100,000 from 15.71 per 100,000 in the previous report.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Head of Immunisation at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “Over the last 2 weeks, we have seen an increase in some COVID-19 indicators. This includes hospital admissions and ICU admissions, but these have all stabilised over the last week. While case rates have continued to rise, rates remain low overall, and we will continue to monitor them closely.
“If you are experiencing any symptoms of respiratory illness, you should avoid mixing with other people, especially those who are vulnerable. This will help combat the spread of COVID-19.
“This week, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) announced that the winter vaccination programme has been brought forward as a precautionary measure to deliver greater protection against the potential impact of BA.2.86 variant. We urge everyone eligible to take up the vaccine when offered.”
New BA.2.86 variant found in Scotland
Scotland has detected its first case of a new Covid variant that is being closely monitored by the World Health Organization.
The BA.2.86 variant is not yet considered a variant of concern but it has a high number of mutations.
Scotland’s winter vaccination programme starts on 4 September, but in response to the new cases PHS and Scottish government are now working to bring winter vaccinations forward for those at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from flu and Covid-19.