In the week ending 16 March, there were 899 hospital patients with norovirus – down from the winter peak of 1,160 seen in mid-February. Cases remain around a third higher compared to the same period last year, which recorded 680 cases.

Flu cases in hospital have plummeted to 1,174 from their January peak of 5,408.

Despite the drop in virus numbers, pressures remain high on hospitals with more than nine in ten adult hospital beds currently occupied (94.4%).

Hospitalisations for Covid have stabilised at around 1,030 patients – slightly up from 1,012 in the previous week.

Staff absences continue to pose significant challenges for NHS teams, with around 47,097 staff off sick per day.

Wes Streeting, health and social care secretary, said: ‘Thanks to staff who have worked their socks off this winter, the worst of the winter pressures appear to be behind us.

‘I am determined that we now learn the lessons from this winter and, through our forthcoming urgent and emergency care plan, make sure A&E waits are shorter and ambulances arrive sooner next winter.

‘Through our Plan for Change, we will make our NHS fit for the future.'