Covid patient numbers continue to rise and positive cases up 50 per cent

With one further hospital death and positive Covid-19 cases steeply climbing, health bosses have also issued a reminder that visiting at the hospital “remains restricted”. 

As of Wednesday morning, the number of inpatients being treated with the virus was 72 — up from 49 last week — with one patient in critical care at the hospital.

In the last seven days, 1,785 people have tested positive in the borough — up 49.4 per cent.

The total number of inpatients who have tested positive since Covid-19 began is now 4,356. 

Nearly 86 per cent (85.9 per cent) of the population in Rotherham aged over 12 have had their first dose of the vaccine, more than 80 (81.6 per cent) have had their second and 64.4 per cent have received a booster jab.

A spokesperson for Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust said: “Visiting at the hospital remains restricted. On adult inpatient wards where visiting is permitted, one visitor is allowed per patient. 

“Unless exempt, visitors must wear a mask or face covering while in the hospital and use the alcohol gel provided.

“Visitors are asked to only attend the hospital if they are well and after carrying out a lateral flow test with a negative result. 

“Full details of our visiting restrictions are available on our website at bit.ly/3Iy7hjU.”