Hospitalisations in Bracknell and Wokingham have risen this week, as one in 18 people in the UK currently has covid – the latest data shows. 

Figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show that roughly 3.5 million people had the virus last week, an increase of 30 per cent on the previous seven days.  

The key drivers behind the increase in infections are the BA.4 and BA.5 variants. These two mutations of the virus are sub-variants of Omicron, which was behind the last winter wave. 

Covid-related hospital admissions in England are also rising, however, that increase is showing signs of slowing down. 

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The latest available data for Bracknell reveals that between July 4 and July 10, 191 people went into Frimley Health Hospital with coronavirus, an increase of 24.8 per cent compared to the previous seven days. As of July 12, there were 150 positive patients in the hospital. 

During that time, there have been zero deaths within 28 days of a positive test – a decrease of 100 per cent on last week. 

The number of positive cases has also been on the decline, with 37 people having a confirmed positive test result, a decrease of 7.5 per cent compared to the previous seven days. 

However, it should be noted that the number of tests conducted over that time decreased substantially, with 3,895 completed – 38.1 per cent less than the week prior. 

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Hospitalisations have also been on the rise in Wokingham, with 84 people being admitted to Royal Berkshire Hospital between July 4 and July 10 – an increase of 18.3 per cent in a week. 

The hospital had one coronavirus patient on a mechanical ventilator as of July 12. 

Deaths in the borough have increased by 100 per cent over that time, with the data showing that there have been two deaths within 28 days of a positive test. 

Cases have risen too, between July 2 and July 8, 49 people confirmed a positive test – an increase of 75 per cent compared to the previous seven days.  

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This is despite a slight reduction in the number of tests conducted with the figures showing that 5,037 were carried out – 0.8 per cent less than last week. 

Despite the large numbers, the ratio of severe cases and deaths to cases are drastically down on previous waves of the pandemic, largely due to the success of vaccines. 

In the autumn, everyone aged 50 and over will be offered another booster jab to top up their immunity and cut their risk of becoming severely ill as immunity begins to wane. 

Younger people at high risk from Covid, as well as health and social care staff, will also be eligible for the booster.