Covid-19 crisis in numbers
6 January 2021, 12:48 | Updated: 11 March 2022, 17:14
LBC is analysing the latest government Covid data alongside the daily vaccination and booster charts.
We’re looking at the impact of the pandemic each week across the UK, comparing hospitalisation rates, patient ages and bed occupancy.
The latest data shows the number of people receiving the vaccine and boosters continues to climb rapidly with nearly 122m jabs issued in the UK.
READ MORE: JCVI deputy: Vaccines will 'definitely prevent severe disease' as variants emerge
However, the Prime Minister, together with the NHS, has launched an urgent national appeal calling for people to get jabbed, as he outlined plans to significantly increase NHS vaccination capacity. It comes as the UK Chief Medical Officers increased the UK Covid Alert Level from Level 3 to Level 4 due to a rapid increase in cases of the Omicron variant.
The latest data suggests Omicron is extremely transmissible and will become the dominant variant by mid-December. Cases are now doubling every 2 to 3 days.
Ministers are urging people to ensure they are doubly vaccinated against the virus and are encouraging everyone over the age of 18 to book an additional booster jab.
The latest data suggests that vaccine efficacy against symptomatic infection is substantially reduced against Omicron with just two doses, but a third dose boosts protection back up to over 70%.
The majority of patients in hospital appear to be those who are yet to be vaccinated, suggesting jabs are working at reducing the risk of serious illness.
However, the emergence of the Omicron variant means further measures to prevent it spreading were introduced on Dec 9, including the introduction of the Government's Covid 'Plan B'.
The Omicron variant contains a large number of spike protein mutations as well as mutations in other parts of the viral genome, with early indications suggesting this variant may be more transmissible.
The measures are aimed at slowing the spread so the NHS won't be overwhelmed, and allow scientists time to fully understand how these mutations may change the behaviour of the virus.
The vaccination programme and test, trace and isolate system continue to be the most effective way of reducing transmission, along with practicing good hygiene, keeping spaces well ventilated, and wearing masks.
LBC will bring you a daily breakdown of the numbers, both across the UK and in England.
Our graphs give you the facts, day-by-day, as the coronavirus crisis continues.
