Newcastle hospitals admitted 117 people with suspected Covid-19 in September, according to UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data. That is more than the total number of Covid-19 hospital admissions across the previous six months combined.
Rise across the North East
Similar spikes were reported elsewhere in the North East. County Durham and Darlington saw 37 admissions, South Tyneside and Sunderland recorded 10, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Gateshead had six, and Northumbria Healthcare reported 19.
Across the wider North East and Yorkshire, there were 155 Covid-19 patients in hospital on September 30, up from just 30 on the first day of the month. That is the highest figure since December 2025.
Variant and national trends
The increase comes as the so-called “American” variant is understood to be the most predominant. National figures released last Thursday showed that between September 28 and October 4, both flu and Covid-19 levels increased.
UKHSA reported that Covid-19 activity is now “circulating at low levels” with increases in positive cases and hospitalisations. The latest respiratory illness surveillance report highlights that increases in flu are being driven among young adults, while Covid-19 activity is “increasing and above baseline, although still at low levels”.
Vaccine advice
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK.”
He added: “It’s completely normal for viruses to change over time. The strains currently going around, including those known as XFG, are closely related to strains that have been with us for over a year, so this isn’t something new. We’re also not seeing any evidence that these are making people more ill or spreading faster than before, and this year’s autumn vaccine has been specifically designed to protect against them.”
“If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness and being hospitalised. Don’t risk it, get the vaccine and give yourself the best protection.”
