Analysis: As Covid cases fall, why are things still tough for the NHS?

One fifth of England’s intensive care beds are still being taken by Covid patients

The sudden drop in new Covid cases has not yet been matched by a fall in people hospitalised by coronavirus (PA)

The predicted large summer wave of Covid infections and hospital admissions reaching beyond 1,000-a-day has thankfully not materialised.

The latest weekly surveillance report from Public Health England, up to 1 August, delivered more good news on Thursday. It showed case rates across all regions and age groups in England continued to drop.

The highest rate remains among those in their 20s, while teenagers make up the next highest group. Those in their 80s have the lowest rate of infections.