foremost, there are around 20,000 covid patients in hospital, the highest numberfor about covid patients in hospital, the highest number for about a year. half of them, more than half, were admitted with something else. people are not tending to need intensive care, treatments have improved, but there are around 1300 covid related deaths a year, which is why vaccines remain crucial. more than 7 million over 75s are eligible for a spring booster which will top up any waning immunity. booster which will top up any waning immuni . , ., , booster which will top up any waning immuni . , . , ., disruption at airports and at the port of dover is continuing the snp says next month s elections in scotland are a chance to send a message to boris johnson . at the launch of her party s campaign, nicola sturgeon said the vote came amid what she called a tory made cost of living crisis . she promised her councillors would focus on the issue if elected. we need to see borisjohnson and rishi sunak w
asymptomatic testing. from the 1st of april we will end three symptomatic and asymptomatic testing for the general public but we will continue providing free symptomatic tests to those of the highest risk from covid and in line with the practice of many other countries, we are working with retailers to ensure you will always be able to buy a test. we should be clear that the pandemic is not over and there may be significant resurgence as. our scientists are certain that there will be new variants and it is very possible that those will be worth an omicron. we will continue to protect the most vulnerable with targeted vaccinations and treatments and we have bought enough doses of vaccine to anticipate a wide range of possible recommendations. today this includes a new spring booster offered to those 17 and older, i