The final stage of the lockdown roadmap will now take place on 19 July, when all legal limits on social contact are due to be scrapped. The setback comes following concerns over the rapidly spreading Delta Covid-19 variant, with health experts warning it could lead to thousands of deaths if restrictions are lifted too soon. The variant now accounts for more than 96 per cent of all coronavirus cases and has fuelled a rise in rates across most of the country. But how has the rising rates affected hospital admissions? Listed are the 14 NHS trusts in England which currently have the most Covid-19 hospital patients, based on the latest data up to 8 June. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
1. Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust
Total number of Covid-19 related hospital admissions up to 8 June: 44 Photo: WPA Pool
2. Bolton NHS Foundation Trust
Total number of Covid-19 related hospital admissions up to 8 June: 39 Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
3. Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
Total number of Covid-19 related hospital admissions up to 8 June: 32 Photo: NIKLAS HALLE'N
4. King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Total number of Covid-19 related hospital admissions up to 8 June: 30 Photo: WPA Pool