Infection Rates Show Christmas Dip But South East Hospital Admissions Up

Published on: 30 Dec, 2021
Updated on: 3 Jan, 2022

By Martin Giles

Covid infections in Guildford borough dipped significantly in the week ending Monday, December 27.

The latest Surrey County Council summary report shows that there were 24 per cent fewer infections in the seven day period compared with the previous week. 1,721 were reported, giving a rate of 1,145 per 100,000 of the population. In Surrey, only Waverley borough had a lower rate.

Generally, Surrey boroughs closest to London have the highest rates in the county but the figures remain volatile. Any impact of the Christmas holiday on the reporting of infection rates remains to be seen.

Hospital admissions in the South East have shown the first increase for some weeks, up nearly 300 (27 per cent) from the previous week. 1,023 people were admitted in the week ending December 27.

The government has said that it is carefully watching the admission and death figures, known to lag behind infection rates, to assess the need for any further restrictions.

Figures for admissions at individual hospitals have been delayed by the Christmas holiday. The Royal Surrey County Hospital has been asked for their latest figure and the amount of staff absence they have.