Surge of Covid cases in London health workers sparks fear of spread on wards

Scientists concerned that soaring infection rates in capital's care homes and hospitals may be occurring in other UK regions

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Covid infection rates among doctors, nurses, and other hospital and care home staff have risen more than fivefold over the past month in London, scientists have discovered. The figures - provided by the Francis Crick Institute - have triggered considerable concern among scientists, who fear similar increases may be occurring in other regions of the UK.

Increasing numbers of infected healthcare workers raise fears that the spread of Covid-19 into wards and care homes - which triggered tens of thousands of deaths last spring - could be repeated unless urgent action is taken.