Chiswick Covid Infection Rate 'Could Be Highest Ever'

Health experts argue that underreporting masks prevalence of the virus

People still unvaccinated urged to come forward to get jab

The latest official figures for Chiswick show a sharp increase in the number of Covid-19 infections and health professionals are arguing that these numbers are understated.

According to the data released on the government dashboard, based on figures from the Office of National Statistics, 240 people were infected with the virus in the week to 6 March.

This gives Chiswick an infection rate well above the London and national average and it is thought this number may be significantly below the actual level with fewer people taking tests with free lateral flow test kits no longer to be available shortly.

The highest rate of infection locally is in the area designated Chiswick North West which covers Acton Green and parks of Bedford Park. This neighbourhood saw infections surge by 73.8% to 587.0 per 100,000 population.

A local GP said, "I am noticing no difference in the level of infection among adults since the reported peaks earlier this year. I have no doubt that the official figures understate the true picture particularly with fewer tests on school children and it could be that infection rates are at the highest level ever in the local area.

"Vaccinations, boosters and the relative mildness of Omicron mean that is not as serious as would have been a year ago and for most people catching it is no worse than a bad does of the flu, but the risks to vulnerable groups and the unvaccinated from this disease remain. It remains sensible to wear a mask and avoid unventilated spaces."

Tim Spector OBE, the epidemiologist who helped deliver the Zoe app through which 4 million people self-report symptoms also believes that infection rates are being serious underreported. The data from the app suggests the number of people in the UK with Covid remains high and not far below the peaks in December and January. This contradicts the government dashboard which shows infection rates well below the New Year peaks.

Figures from Zoe on Covid infections. Picture: Tim Spector

The increased infection rate does seem to have resulted with an increased level of hospitalisations with 1,653 Covid-19 patients in London Hospitals on 11 March compared to 1,529 the week before. There has however been no increase in the number of patients on ventilators across London.

Map showing the Middle Super Output Areas from the table above. Source: ONS

Hounslow has a relatively low infection rate according to the government dashboard at 339 per 100,000 population. The latest rate for Ealing is 380, just above the London average.

In the week to 6 March the infection rate for London was 373 up from 293 the previous week and for England as a whole it was 394.

The high infections nationally are raising concerns about a new mutation of the virus dubbed Deltacron. This has been found to be developing in patients who have caught the Delta and Omicron strain at the same time with the result that the cells mutate together in new form. Very few cases have been identified at this stage but scientists point out that if combines the virulence of Delta with the transmissibility of Omicron, it could provide a significant threat.

March 13, 2022