As Covid-19 case rates in London remain high and hospitals throughout the capital care for more than 4,000 patients who are seriously ill with the virus, London Councils is urging Londoners to push through pandemic fatigue by continuing to test and get vaccinated to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.
London’s seven day case rate is at around 1,700 per 100,000 of the population and the positivity rate is also high at 34%. Rates are expected to rise again due to the impact of New Year’s Eve celebrations and the return of schools in January.
In addition, Covid-19 case rates are now increasing in people aged 60 and above, who are generally more vulnerable and therefore more likely to become seriously unwell and require hospital treatment.
Hospital admissions in London are currently at their highest since February last year. Unvaccinated people are accounting for most of the Covid-19 admissions to hospitals and latest statistics show they are eight times more likely to be hospitalised if they are unvaccinated.
Boroughs are asking every Londoner to keep London safe by continuing to follow public health advice, testing regularly and getting vaccinated.
Cllr Danny Thorpe, London Councils Executive Member for Health and Care, said:
“London once again enters a new year with Covid case levels at an extremely high rate. I am proud of the way Londoners have pulled together to face the Omicron variant, but we need to push through pandemic fatigue and keep going.
“We must continue to test regularly and get our vaccinations to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe. We recognise that accessing tests has been difficult for many and have made strong representations so Londoners can have access to the testing kits they need to keep doing the right thing.
“A slight fall in case rates in recent weeks might seem like the good news we’re all hoping for, but public health experts are telling us not to be complacent as we are yet to see the impact of the New Year socialising and schools reopening, which are very likely to have increased transmission.
“It is also concerning to see rates increasing in Londoners aged 60 and above, who are more likely to become so unwell that they need to be admitted to hospital.
“I cannot stress enough how crucial the vaccination programme is in protecting yourself from Covid-19. London boroughs will continue to use their local knowledge, resources and community relationships to support the NHS in getting all Londoners vaccinated.
“It is encouraging that 90% of adult Londoners have now received their first dose. Even if you are unvaccinated or haven’t had your second dose, it’s not too late – please get your next vaccination as soon as possible. Protection starts with one dose.
“Boroughs will continue to support our communities, businesses and key services in every way we can, but all Londoners have a part to play in reducing transmission of the virus. Whether it’s testing twice a week, washing your hands regularly, or business owners keeping staff and customers safe, every effort to protect yourself and others is vital.”
