Wales is experiencing a resurgence in Covid hospital admissions, signalling a concerning trend as cases are on the rise once again after a period of decline earlier this year.
It has now been more than four years since the Covid-19 pandemic prompted the initial lockdown in Wales. While vaccines have provided hope, it’s clear that the virus will remain a persistent challenge for years to come.
Covid is now treated as a seasonal virus, often peaking alongside winter flu outbreaks. March saw a decline in hospital cases, but as we enter May, admissions are climbing anew. According to the latest data from Public Health Wales, 53 individuals were hospitalised due to Covid in the week leading up to May 5, with one admission to critical care during the same period.
This surge echoes levels last seen in February, following a peak of 113 weekly admissions in late December. Notably, just over two weeks ago, the seven-day period leading to April 20 saw only 16 admissions, indicating a substantial recent increase.
In terms of testing, there is presently no general testing programme for suspected Covid cases in Wales. However, individuals admitted to hospital with virus symptoms requiring treatment are tested.
Additionally, the number of hospital-acquired infections is on the rise. In the week to May 5, 66 individuals tested positive for hospital-acquired Covid, a significant increase from the 23 cases seen in the week ending April 14.
Public Health Wales regularly publishes Covid data related to hospital cases, categorised into community-acquired, hospital-acquired, and cases with unknown origin.
Breakdown of Hospitalisation by Covid Acquisition (Week to May 5):
- Community-acquired: 35
- Hospital-acquired: 66
- Unknown acquisition: 26
The health board areas most affected by hospital admissions up to May 5 were Cardiff and Vale UHB with 20 admissions, followed by Betsi Cadwaladr UHB with 12, and Swansea Bay UHB with only one admission, the lowest among these regions.
