Covid Infection Levels Highest Yet

Published on: 28 Dec, 2021
Updated on: 3 Jan, 2022

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The steep rise of Covid infections continues both in Guildford and Surrey. Guildford saw a 28% rise from 1,540 to 2,142 but in Surrey the new record total of 18,570, reported yesterday, represents a 50% jump from the previous record-breaking week.

See also: Local Covid-19 Stats

Within Guildford borough the highest reported infection rates are currently in or near the town centre.

The government’s Covid infection map has had to introduce a new category of over 1600 infections per 100,000 of population to cope.

Map showing infection rates in the Guildford area for seven days to December 22. Source Gov.UK

But despite the highest numbers of confirmed infections seen since the pandemic started two years ago hospital admissions in the South East are, once again slightly down. In Surrey they are stable. Figures for Covid associated deaths are also stable and at a low level.

But given the magnitude of infection and the lag time between infection and hospital admissions and deaths, those managing health services will not be able to relax yet. In fact, the strain on staff, already struggling with the normal winter peak and staff shortages partly from those themselves infected and needing to isolate, is known to be taking its toll.

No sign of an Omicron related peak in hospital admission in Surrey – yet.

Whether the Christmas holiday will have had any impact on the infection rate remains to be seen but the government’s decision not to bring in further restrictions in England before New Year’s Eve, at odds with other parts of the UK, shows optimism.

The Artington Vaccination Centre on Boxing Day afternoon appeared closed but it has played a major part in delivering half a million booster jabs in the local NHS area.

In the meantime, the vaccination programme continues apace. The Artington Vaccination Centre appeared closed over Christmas but over 500,000 booster jabs have now been administered in the Surrey Heartlands NHS area, a remarkable achievement of organisation.

See also: To My Surprise, I Didn’t Have to Self-Isolate After My Wife Tested Covid-Positive

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