National flu and COVID-19 surveillance reports published

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

Latest update

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 remained stable in most indicators of week 3 of 2022. 

COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased in most age groups, though have increase slightly in those aged 0 to 4, 5 to 14 and those aged 15 to 24.

The overall number of reported acute respiratory incidents decreased in the past week in England.

Case rates were highest in those aged 5 to 9, with a weekly rate of 2,473.9 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 70 to 79, with a weekly rate of 286.9 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the North East at 1,181.9.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in London with a weekly rate of 836.2.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 1,351 in week 3, compared to 1,338 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 3 was 16.01 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 18.41 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 26.12 per 100,000 population.

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

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

Although rates of serious illness from Omicron infections remain low, we are still seeing large numbers of cases, especially in primary-aged children.

We encourage everyone to get vaccinated or a booster jab as soon as they are eligible, to continue testing regularly with LFDs – particularly before meeting anyone who is vulnerable – and to take a PCR test if you have symptoms.

By doing this, we’re all playing our part in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.

PreviousThursday 20 January 2022

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 most indicators of week 2 of 2022. COVID-19 hospitalisations decreased in most age groups except those aged 75 to 84 and those aged 85 and over. The overall number of reported acute respiratory incidents decreased in the past week, in England.

Case rates were highest in those aged 5 to 9, with a weekly rate of 1,935.7 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 70 to 79, with a weekly rate of 336.0 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the North East at 1,410.0.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in the South West with a weekly rate of 800.7.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 1,338 in week 2, compared to 1,450 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 2 was 17.62 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 19.92 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 27.09 per 100,000 population.

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

Dr Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor for the UK Health Security Agency, said:

The recent decline in community case rates and individuals requiring hospitalisation is encouraging and it’s thanks to the public, who have taken up vaccination and followed the Plan B measures closely, that we’ve got to this point. However, we should not be complacent. The pandemic is not over yet and we will need to remain cautious to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our communities. I encourage everyone to get the vaccine as soon as they can, to continue testing regularly with LFDs – particularly before periods of high risk and before seeing anyone who is vulnerable – and to take a PCR test if they have symptoms.

Thursday 13 January

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 some indicators with case rates decreasing in most groups.

Increases were observed by region in the North East in week 1 of 2022, COVID-19 hospitalisations remained stable and deaths with COVID-19 increased in the most recent week.

The overall number of reported acute respiratory incidents decreased in the past week in England. Changes in testing and population mixing patterns over the last few weeks call for a cautious interpretation of these results.

Case rates were highest in those aged 20 to 29, with a weekly rate of 1,903.3 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 602.8 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the North East at 2,350.8.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in the South West with a weekly rate of 1,172.1.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 1,450 in week 1, compared to 1,517 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 1 was 19.03 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 19.12 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 28.42 per 100,000 population.

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

Dr. Alicia Demirjian, COVID-19 Public Health Incident Director at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

Overall daily case rates and hospital admissions continue to be high. To protect our loved ones and our health service, it’s still essential that everyone takes all necessary steps to contain this virus. In particular, please get your vaccination or booster jab if you haven’t already.

Thursday 23 December

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

COVID-19 activity has increased across the UK.  Case rates rose in all age groups except those aged 5 to 9, and there has been an increase in the number of acute respiratory infection incidents in England.

Case rates were highest in those aged 20 to 29, with a weekly rate of 1741.0 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 112.7 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in London at 1732.6.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in the North East with a weekly rate of 470.1.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 825 in week 50, compared to 621 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 50 was 7.16 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 7.39 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in London, with a rate of 10.53 per 100,000 population.

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

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

New cases of COVID-19 continue to climb across nearly every age group and nationally daily cases have reached over 100,000 as Omicron spreads through our communities. This should act as another urgent reminder that everyone must do all they can to contain the spread of this virus.

Thursday 16 December

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 has increased in most indicators in week 49 of 2021. Case rates increased in most groups.

Case rates were highest in those aged 5 to 9, with a weekly rate of 1021.4 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 69.5 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in London at 702.8.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in Yorkshire and the Humber with a weekly rate of 352.8.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 621 in week 49, compared to 618 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 49 was 7.06 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 6.71 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the East of England, with a rate of 8.69 per 100,000 population.

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

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

We are now seeing a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases driven by the Omicron variant. We need everyone to take action to stop the spread.

That includes getting your booster vaccine, taking a lateral flow test before meeting people, wearing a face covering in crowded enclosed spaces, ventilating rooms and staying at home if you have symptoms

Thursday 9 December

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 has increased in some indicators such as case rates for those aged 5 to 9 and the number of acute respiratory infection incidents in England in week 48 of 2021.

Case rates were highest in those aged 5 to 9, with a weekly rate of 1063.8.8 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 65.4 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the South East at 648.5.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in Yorkshire and the Humber with a weekly rate of 361.1.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 618 in week 48, compared to 582 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 48 was 6.40 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 6.43 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the West Midlands, with a rate of 7.56 per 100,000 population.

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

Dr Sophia Makki, National Incident Director at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

Rising numbers of cases in younger age groups and the spread of the Omicron variant suggests that we are entering a difficult period. It is crucial that we all act now to stop the spread.

If you haven’t done so already, get your jab as soon as possible. It’s absolutely vital that everyone follows updated government rules including on mask use and working from home where you can. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms stay at home and get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Thursday 2 December

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 has decreased in some indicators such as case rates for those aged 5 to 9 and the number of acute respiratory infection incidents in England in week 47 of 2021.

Case rates were highest in those aged 5 to 9, with a weekly rate of 873.8 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 51.8 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the South East at 517.7.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in Yorkshire and Humber with a weekly rate of 308.9.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 582 in week 47, compared to 630 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 47 was 6.02 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 6.80 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 8.10 per 100,000 population.

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

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at UKHSA, said:

As we observe the Omicron variant emerging, the Delta variant continues to circulate at high levels across all age ranges, and is still causing substantial infection and hospitalisation in older people.  Getting vaccinated, or a booster if you are eligible, is an essential step to prevent the spread of COVID in our communities.

Please wear a mask in crowded places, in shops and on public transport, wash your hands, and ventilate rooms well.  If you have any COVID-19 symptoms stay at home and get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Thursday 25 November

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 has increased in some indicators such as case rates for those aged 5 to 9 and 10 to 19 and the number of acute respiratory infection incidents in England in week 46 of 2021.

Case rates were highest in those aged 5 to 9, with a weekly rate of 932.3 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 63.6 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the South East at 530.5.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in London with a weekly rate of 318.1.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 630 in week 46, compared to 554 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 46 was 6.49 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 7.65 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 9.37 per 100,000 population.

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

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

Rates of COVID-19 continue to increase in younger age groups. While the booster program is protecting many of our friends and relatives, there are still people out there who had not yet taken up their offer of a booster. So as the holiday season approaches and average levels of social mixing go up, please do come forward if you are eligible for a vaccine or a booster, and take up the jab as soon as you are offered.

Older people and those with weaker immune systems are more vulnerable to infection. Always take a rapid lateral flow test before visiting anyone at higher risk of getting seriously ill from the virus.

Small changes can make a big difference in the risk of passing on the infection. Help protect yourself and loved ones by opening windows and doors to increase the air flow when meeting people inside. Please wear a mask in crowded places, wash your hands and, if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and get a PCR test as soon as possible.

PreviousThursday 18 November

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 has increased in some indicators in week 45 of 2021.

Case rates were highest in those aged 5 to 9, with a weekly rate of 722.9 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 76.0 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the South West at 485.3.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in London with a weekly rate of 275.2.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 554 in week 45, compared to 452 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 45 was 7.57 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 7.60 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 10.88 per 100,000 population.

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

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

Rates of COVID-19 continue to increase in those from younger age groups, and hospitalisations remain highest in those aged 85 and over. Following the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) announcement on Monday, more people than ever are eligible for second and booster doses – and it is as important as ever to get vaccinated or receive a booster jab as soon as you are offered one.

Socialising indoors in places with poor ventilation increases the risk of infection. Help protect yourself and loved ones by opening windows and doors to ventilate the room when meeting people inside. Wash your hands regularly and wear a mask in crowded places. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Thursday 11 November

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 has decreased in some indicators in week 44 of 2021.

Case rates were highest in those aged 10 to 19, with a weekly rate of 561.6 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 82.0 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the South West at 409.9.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in London with a weekly rate of 227.8.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 452 in week 44, compared to 502 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 44 was 7.44 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 8.75 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 11.25 per 100,000 population.

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

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

Rates of COVID-19 remain high across the country, and we all need to play our part to drive down infections, hospitalisations and deaths. Vaccines are the best defence against catching COVID-19 and passing it on – so please come forward if you are eligible for a vaccine or a booster, and take up the jab as soon as you are offered.

The risk of infection increases as winter approaches and people spend more time indoors. Help protect yourself and loved ones by washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask in crowded places. When meeting people inside, open windows and doors to ventilate the room. Testing and self-isolation is still critically important – if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Thursday 21 October

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 has increased in most indicators in week 41 of 2021.

Case rates were highest in those aged 10 to 19, with a weekly rate of 1366.8 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 121.2 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the South West at 667.6.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in London with a weekly rate of 253.0.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 576 in week 41, compared to 579 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 41 was 7.20 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 6.26 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the West Midlands, with a rate of 10.08 per 100,000 population.

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

Professor Steven Riley, Director General of Data, Analytics and Surveillance at UK Health Security Agency, said:

Rates of COVID-19 remain high across the country and hospitalisations are increasing. The high death figures recorded this week act as a timely reminder that we all need to play our part to drive down infections, hospitalisations and deaths – the pandemic is far from over. Vaccines remain the best defence against catching COVID-19 and passing it on – please come forward if you haven’t already and if you are eligible for a booster vaccine, please take up the jab as soon as you are offered.

As winter approaches, help protect yourself and loved ones by washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask in crowded places. When meeting people inside, open windows and doors to ventilate the room. Testing and self-isolation is still critically important – if you have any COVID-19 symptoms, stay at home and get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Thursday 14 October

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 had increased in some instances in week 40 of 2021.

Case rates were highest in those aged 10 to 19, with a weekly rate of 1120.8 per 100,000 population.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 110.8 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the East Midlands at 488.7.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in London with a weekly rate of 214.2.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 579 in week 40, compared to 543 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 40 was 6.03 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 5.74 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 9.98 per 100,000 population.

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

Dr William Welfare, Incident Director at the UK Health Security Agency, said:

Case rates of COVID-19 remain high across the country and have been slowly rising.

As winter approaches, help protect yourself against COVID-19 and flu by washing your hands regularly and wearing a mask in crowded places. When meeting people inside, open windows and doors to ventilate the room.

If you are offered a vaccine for either COVID-19 or flu, please take it. If you have any COVID-19 symptoms, get a PCR test.

Thursday 7 October

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 remained stable in most indicators in week 39 of 2021.

Case rates were highest in those aged 10 to 19, with a weekly rate of 1047.7 per 100,000 population, although cases are now falling.

The lowest case rates were in those aged 80 and above, with a weekly rate of 86.0 per 100,000 population.

Weekly case rates per 100,000 population were highest in the East Midlands at 442.4.

Case rates per 100,000 were lowest in London with a weekly rate of 197.3.

The number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England was 543 in week 39, compared to 622 in the previous week.

The hospital admission rate for week 39 was 5.60 per 100,000 population, in the previous week it was 5.44 per 100,000 population.

Hospital admission rates for COVID-19 were highest in the North East, with a rate of 10.10 per 100,000 population.

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

Dr Mike Gent, Incident Director at UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:

Cases of COVID-19 remain high across the country, especially among 10 to 19 year olds.

The best way to protect yourself and others is to get a vaccine. While vaccination offers excellent protection against COVID-19, there are things you can do to prevent the spread of the virus.

When meeting people inside, ventilate the room by opening windows and doors. Wear a face covering in crowded places and wash your hands regularly throughout the day.

Avoid mixing with others if you feel unwell for any reason and if you have any symptoms of COVID-19, get a PCR test as soon as possible.

Previous updates were published by Public Health England.