The NHS in Devon is warning that the number of patients in Devon’s hospitals with Covid-19 has risen substantially this month and is expected to continue rising as cases in the community increase.

There are currently 168 Covid inpatients in Devon, up from 111 in early November.

The increasing rates of Covid in the community also impact on staffing, says the NHS locally.

Currently almost 600 NHS staff in Devon are off work due to Covid. This accounts for almost one in four NHS staff absences.

The high Covid rates and their impact on inpatients and staffing adds to the pressures that already exist in the local health and care system. There’s also a wider impact on people’s health and wellbeing. For every Covid patient in hospital, we need to postpone, on average, another 8 operations. That means more pain and anxiety for people on our waiting lists.

People across Devon are being urged to support the NHS by helping to reduce the spread of the Covid-19 and flu viruses.

Dr Paul Johnson, chair of NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group said: 'There has been high demand for booster doses and I want to thank the tens of thousands of people in Devon who are attending our vaccine clinics for the jab each week. We are continuing to open thousands more booked appointments, in addition to pop up clinics.

'However, as the temperature drops and we are more likely to mix with people inside, it is important to remember that Devon currently has some of the highest Covid-19 rates in the UK.

'Please continue to socially distance, wear a mask when mixing with people inside and open a window where possible.

'If you’re meeting up, do so outside where possible.  If indoors, keep the room well ventilated

'Wear a face covering when indoors with people you don’t live with, especially in confined spaces such as on public transport. 'Open a window if possible.

Use lateral flow tests whenever you’re in situations of higher risk, such as when meeting up with others.'