Health bosses have voiced their concerns at a new spike in Covid-19 infections with cases in care homes on the rise.

In its latest national flu and Covid-19 surveillance report, the UK Health Security Agency said Covid-19 activity had increased with a 61% rise in  acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks) in England.

Hospital admissions rose by 45% to 1.83 per 100,000 population with rates highest in the Southwest where numbers were up by 250% since mid-September.

Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical advisor at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “This week’s data shows concerning further increases in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisation rates, which are now at their highest level in months. Outbreaks in hospitals and care homes are also on the rise.”

In one example, Woodlands Care Home in Bolton announced it had closed its doors and restricted visits to one visitor a day due to a Covid-19 outbreak.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “Covid-19 has not gone away and can spread more easily in the winter months, along with flu and other respiratory conditions.

“The council continues to offer guidance to care homes and other settings, and robust contingency plans are in place to keep residents safe and reduce the risk of infection.

“We can all play a part in reducing the risk of spreading respiratory diseases by taking simple steps such as letting fresh air in, washing hands regularly and wearing a mask in crowded spaces.

“Our NHS partners began rolling out the autumn booster to care home residents in September.”