Despite hopes that the new Covid Omicron strain is less fatal than previous strains, hospitalisations are surging across the capital.

The latest figures show 386 people were admitted to hospital on December 22 with coronavirus and that number is expected to rise.

This figure has almost doubled since last week – it is up 92% week-on-week and the highest number for a single day since February 1.

But this is still well below the second wave peak of 4,134 admissions reported on January 12.

Early findings suggest people catching the new Omicron strain are 50% to 70% less likely to need hospital care.

Depsite this positive news, there are still fears the milder virus could still put pressure on hospitals because it spreads so fast.

This means that although a smaller proportion of cases require hospitalisation, the record-breaking case numbers mean that many will inevitably lead to hospitalisation.

The virus is currently ripping through the capital.

The five UK areas with the biggest week-on-week rises are all in London:

• Lambeth (up from 1,264.4 to 3,175.8)
• Wandsworth (1,194.3 to 3,098.2)
• Hackney & City of London (1,139.5 to 2,724.4)
• Southwark (1,168.1 to 2,714.2)
• Islington (1,039.0 to 2,506.9)

Source: Mylondon.news