Concerns over rising infection rates have been raised as almost 118,000 more positive Covid-19 cases have been identified in Cambridgeshire over the last 12 months. 

As of January 5, 237,894 cases including reinfections were reported on January 4 compared to 119,907 for the same day last year, according to government figures. 

More than 15,000 cases in the last six months up to and including January 4 were also recorded in the county. 

But the latest total case figures are down on the last seven days for Cambridgeshire, while positive cases for East Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire and Fenland up to January 5 were also lower than the previous week. 

Jyoti Atri, director of public health for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, said: “I am concerned about the rising rates of infections including scarlet fever, RSV, flu and Covid which spread quickly.  

“Mostly they are mild and run their course or can be easily treated, however some people may experience more severe disease or complications.” 

Made with Flourish

Between July 2022 and this month, the number of patients admitted to hospitals due to Covid in the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust and North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT) increased. 

Louise Tibbert, chief people officer for NWAFT, said five to 15 per cent of staff absences from November 2021 to August 2022 were due to Covid and other viruses.

Ely Standard: The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust recorded the highest monthly staff sickness absence rate in Cambridgeshire for August last year.The East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust recorded the highest monthly staff sickness absence rate in Cambridgeshire for August last year. (Image: Newsquest)

Meanwhile, the East of England Ambulance Service Trust had the highest sickness rate in the county of 7.99pc for last August.

In Cambridgeshire between June and December 2022, 356,409 Covid vaccines were given in Cambridgeshire alongside 340,432 flu jabs, which Ms Atri is encouraging more people to take. 

“Vaccines are still an important line of defence for flu and Covid and we urge people to take up what they are entitled to,” she said. 

“We urge people to stay at home if they are unwell and have a fever.” 

Figures from the Office for National Statistics found that as of December 28 last year, Covid cases had risen in the East of England amongst other English regions. 

Dr Fiona Head, chief medical officer at NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, said: “We know both flu and Covid are circulating in our communities.  

“Vaccinations are your best protection against the worst effects of these illnesses.”