Responding to latest official COVID-19 infection figures, the interim chief executive of NHS Providers, Saffron Cordery, said:

"Leaders across the NHS will be keeping a close eye on COVID-19 infection rates with the latest figures showing hospital admissions rising once again in almost every region of the UK.

"The health and care system is bracing itself for a possible 'twindemic' of COVID-19 and flu this year, with high levels of flu compared to early December last year.

"We would urge everyone who is offered a COVID-19 booster or flu vaccine to have their jabs. This will help to combat the risk of serious illness while also helping health services make progress on waiting lists and major operational pressures during what is expected the toughest winter on record."