Shocking maps show how Covid infections have swept the country in 10 days

SHOCKING maps of the UK have revealed how Covid infections have swept the country in the last 10 days.

Cases have been climbing in recent weeks, with Brits being urged to protect the elderly as we head deeper into the winter months.

The interactive map above allows you to hover over your local authority area and check how many infections are in your neighbourhood.

Statistics from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) from October 7, show cases per 100,000 of the population - with the worst hit areas recording up to 200 people infected per 100,000.

The lighter your area is, the lower the number of infections, with darker areas showing places with high infections.

Maps from today, October 17, just ten days on, reveal how cases have started to tick up in several areas of the country.

Clusters of infections have been detected in several areas.

West Devon has one of the highest infections rates in the country, with 204.8 cases per 100,000.

This has created a knock on effect in surrounding areas, with local authorities such as Torridge and South Hams also seeing a rise in cases.

A cluster has also developed in Suffolk and Essex, with areas such as Tendring and East Suffolk seeing high case rates.

Data from October 7 showed that around 1.3million Brits were infected with the bug.

The most recent data, published on Friday, revealed that 1.7million tested positive in the last week.

Despite rising infections, millions of Brits have been vaccinated against the bug, thanks to a huge jabs drive.

The current strain circulating, Omicron, is milder than those that came before it.

And data from the NHS last week showed that rates have dipped slightly in recent days - with all figures remaining well below the levels reached in all waves.

However, medics have urged people to not visit elderly relatives if they feel unwell.

Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Public Health Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "There are early indications that deaths with Covid-19 have also started to rise.

"Whilst this is concerning, it is too early to say whether these are deaths due to Covid-19 and it is reassuring that at this stage there is no overall excess mortality.

“If you are unwell or have symptoms of a respiratory infection, it is particularly important to avoid contact with elderly people or those who are more likely to have severe disease because of their ongoing health conditions.

“Wearing a face covering will also help stop respiratory infections spreading.”

Since the Omicron wave took hold in the UK last year, the majority of people who get the bug are experiencing common cold like signs.

However, there are concerns that more infections will add pressure to an already strained NHS.

Professor Sir Stephen Powis, NHS national medical director, said the increase in patients with Covid-19 was causing “continued pressure” on the health service, along with a rise in the most serious ambulance call-outs and delays in discharging patients into community and social care.

He added: “As we prepare for a difficult winter ahead, it is vital that people protect themselves by coming forward for Covid and flu vaccinations if they are eligible as soon as they can – with bookings opening on Friday to everyone aged 50 and over.”