NHS figures show a renewed rise in norovirus cases, prompting warnings about a potential second surge. The average number of patients in hospital with norovirus each day this week reached 1,012 — the first time this season it has topped 1,000 — an 8.9% increase from last week’s average of 929.
Cases climbed sharply through January, with daily hospital patients rising from 361 at the start of the month to 950 by the end. After a short period of stabilization in early February, numbers have risen again for a second consecutive week.
Clinicians are asking the public to help limit spread by practising good hand hygiene and by avoiding schools, workplaces, hospitals and care homes until at least two days after symptoms stop.
Pressure on beds has also increased: the average number of adult hospital beds closed each day because of norovirus symptoms this week was 1,257, up 8.2% from 1,162 the previous week, and more than 190% higher than the first full week of January (432).
Hospitals are coping with high demand elsewhere too. There were almost 3,000 (2,837) more ambulance handovers with recorded handover times than in the same week last year. Despite the extra volume, ambulance handovers were completed slightly faster on average than a year ago (32:03 this week versus 32:23 last year).
NHS national medical director Dr Claire Fuller stressed the importance of preventing a second norovirus surge while the service continues to deal with winter pressures. She urged people to wash hands regularly with soap and water, stay home to rest and drink fluids if unwell, and avoid high-risk settings until they have been symptom-free for at least 48 hours. For concerns or advice, local pharmacies can help, or people can contact 111 or use 111 Online.