Covid hotspots mapped: UK cases nosedive as fewer tests recorded

Dr Hilary Jones explains nine new symptoms of Covid

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The number of positive Covid cases has fallen by 38.3 percent week-on-week, according to the latest Government data, continuing the downward trend which has been observed since the middle of last month. However, the results are somewhat belied by the fact that the number of recorded tests fell in the same period by more than one million.

The fall in tests being administered comes several weeks after the Government scrapped free lateral flow tests (LFTs) in England.

Ministers are insisting the country continues on its “Living with Covid” strategy despite calls from the NHS Confederation to act.

The membership body has said that very high rates of Covid are having a “major impact” on the health service – which is facing pressures it would see in a “bad winter” well into spring.

High rates of staff absences and significant demands on emergency care wards are also increasing the pressure faced by hospitals.

The latest rolling seven-day average for the UK has revealed 487.9 cases per 100,000 people tested for Covid.

A week previous, that figure was higher by more than 200 – ranked at 749.1 cases per 100,000 people.

Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed that Scotland is recording the highest rates of infection within the UK.

Meanwhile, in England the south west is reporting the greatest number of cases.

All of the current top 10 hotspots in the UK are areas in Scotland. They are as follows:

• Na h-Eileanan Siar – 1,366 cases per 100,000 people
• Shetland Islands – 1,311.8 cases per 100,000 people
• South Ayrshire – 991.6 cases per 100,000 people
• East Lothian – 969.4 cases per 100,000 people
• Falkirk – 918.7 cases per 100,000 people
• East Ayrshire – 908.7 cases per 100,000 people
• Inverclyde – 892.8 cases per 100,000 people
• Highland – 859.7 cases per 100,000 people
• North Ayrshire – 858.1 cases per 100,000 people
• Clackmannanshire – 857.9 cases per 100,000 people

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In comparison, Devon had the highest case rate out of all areas in England – 687.9 cases per 100,000 people.

Unlike in England, free Covid tests will remain available in Scotland until the end of April, although the rules around who should test, and when, will change.

Scotland has also yet to do away with face coverings while using public transport and in some indoor settings, such as shops. The rule will remain in place until April 18.

The Governments for each of the four countries which make up the UK have been scrapping rules at their own discretion.

At present, all of Wales and most of Northern Ireland is reporting significantly lower levels of Covid compared with the rest of the UK.

In fact, eight Welsh areas – such as Swansea and Gwynedd – recorded case rates of between 50 and 99 per 100,000 people.

During the past week 16,438 people were admitted to hospital with Covid, up from just under 11,000 in mid-February.

However, NHS chiefs have said more than half of new admissions are being primarily treated for other conditions.

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