Covid-19 cases in England rose by almost a quarter over Christmas according to the latest Test and Trace data, as GP surgeries began rolling out the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine.
It is hoped that more than 700 sites will be delivering vaccines by the end of the week, with seven mass vaccination centres will open next week in London, Newcastle, Manchester, Birmingham, Bristol, Surrey and Stevenage.
Meanwhile, an official briefing has warned hospitals in London are on the verge of being overwhelmed by Covid-19 cases even under the “best case” scenario.
The Health Service Journal reported that an NHS England presentation showed even if the number of patients grew at the lowest rate considered likely, and measures to manage demand and increase capacity including opening the capital’s Nightgale hospital were successful, the NHS in London would be short of nearly 2,000 general and acute and intensive care beds by 19 January.
It comes as the UK reported a further 1,041 people had died within 28 days of testing positive for coronavirus as of Wednesday, the highest daily reported total since 21 April.
Record numbers are also in hospital with the virus, with a further 3,500 admitted in England on Monday 4 January.
