More than 2,000 people tested positive for Covid in Southwark over the last seven days – nearly double than the previous week.
2,055 people had a confirmed positive test result between March 11 – 17, according to government figures, showing an increase of 42.1% compared to the previous seven days.
Hospitalisations from the virus were also up. 33 people were admitted to hospital with Covid 19 between March 7 – 13, representing a 17.9% increase.
This brought the total amount of patients in local hospitals with the coronavirus to 71 as of March 15.
Eleven of these patients need a mechanical ventilator to support their breathing.
These startling increases come as the government is set to end free lateral flow tests (LFTs) and no longer recommend Covid passes from 1 April, as part of its ‘Living with Covid’ plan.
Boots has already started selling single LFTs online for £5.99, or four for £17.
There were some 29,559 Covid tests in Southwark between March 10 – 16, reflecting a 14.7% increase compared to the previous seven day period.
However, SAGE scientists have said removing access to free testing will make it harder for people to take precautionary actions to prevent the spread of the virus.
Covid related deaths in Southwark have not increased, despite the rise.
Between March 11 – 17, no-one died within 28 days of a positive coronavirus test. This shows no change compared to the previous 7 days.
On February 24, the government ended the legal requirements to self-isolate for those who test positive for Covid 19, and for workers to tell their employers that they need to isolate.
Guidance remains in place for those who test positive to stay at home and avoid contact with others for at least five full days.