Coronavirus cases in the Midlands have risen by 31% amid concerns over BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants

The number of people in the Midlands admitted to hospital for Covid-19 has increased by 31% - with 655 people admitted in the week ending June 5 and 859 admitted in the week ending June 12.

This comes amid growing concerns over two Omicron sub-variants, BA.4 and BA.5, as the number of people hospitalised with Covid-19 has risen sharply across the whole of England.

“After a period of low case rates, we are now seeing increases in outbreaks within care homes and in hospitalisations among those aged 80 years and over,” said Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Clinical Programmes at the UKHSA.

The Midlands had the highest number (859) of hospital admissions from Covid-19 in the week ending June 12 - this was a 31% rise from the week before.

However, the North West saw a steeper rise of 55%, with 741 admitted in that week.

Which Midlands Hospitals have seen an increase in Covid cases?

Six other hospital trusts in the Midlands saw a rise in admissions in those same weeks.

University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust saw a 5% increase from 62 to 65;

University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust saw a 7% increase from 118 to 126;

Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust saw a 28% increase from 25 to 32;

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust saw a 41% increase from 44 to 62;

Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership NHS Trust saw a 50% increase from two to three; and

Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust saw a 50% increase from four to six.

Have any Midland NHS trusts seen a decrease in cases or cases level off?

Birmingham Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust and Birmingham Women’s and Children’s NHS Foundation Trust saw their admissions decrease from the week before, by 62% and 100% respectively.

Black County Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust saw just one person admitted in the week ending June 5 and the week ending June 12.

Which Covid strain is now dominant?

Most cases in the UK are still caused by the Omicron BA2 variant, data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows.

However, health chiefs are now monitoring the impact of the variants Omicron BA.4 and Omicron BA.5, which were designated variants of concern in the UK from Friday, May 20.

Dr Mary Ramsay added: “It is encouraging that we are not seeing an increase in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions but we are monitoring data closely and assessing the possible impact of sub variants BA.4 and BA.5.

“As we enter summer, it’s still important to remember that Covid-19 has not gone away and to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus. If you’re not yet up to date with your jabs please come forward now – it’s not too late to get protected.

“Remember to observe good hand and respiratory hygiene. It is also sensible to wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces. If you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, and a high temperature or feel unwell, try to stay at home or away from others – especially elderly or vulnerable people.”

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