The data followed news that norovirus cases had caused the busiest January for hospitals since before Covid.

Amy Douglas, lead epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: ‘Norovirus cases have remained high in recent weeks and continue to rise, particularly among people aged 65 and over. This increase is in line with what we expected following Christmas, and we are now seeing hospital outbreaks begin to climb as well.'

In positive news, the UKHSA said flu, Covid and RSV levels have continued to fall.

East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust and East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust stood down critical incidents this week, while reporting services remained busy.

Adrian Marr, interim chief executive at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Colchester and Ipswich hospitals, said: ‘We have been seeing increased demand for our services. There has been significant pressure on our emergency departments but the situation is stabilising this week.

‘Our dedicated staff are working very hard to continue to offer safe compassionate care for our patients, and our volunteers are also supporting teams.'