| UPDATED: 12:14, Tue, Dec 29, 2020
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Coronavirus: Spread of COVID-19 variants discussed by expert
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NHS England data shows 20,426 hospital beds are occupied by coronavirus patients as of 8am on December 28. It shows a raise from around 17,700 patients last week, and beats out the April 12 peak of 18,974. Because of the surge in hospitalisations, along with a rise in cases and deaths, scientists are urging the Government to implement tougher restrictions.