The number of Covid patients in Kent's hospitals is four times lower than this time last year – despite there being twice as many cases.

Latest figures show there have been more than 10,000 positive tests across the county in the most recent week – almost double the 5,265 at the start of last December.

But Kent's hospitals are currently treating less than a quarter of the number of people with the virus.

Data published yesterday shows there are now 166 Covid patients in the county, compared to 678 a year ago.

Only one of Kent's four main hospital trusts has seen numbers increase week-on-week, despite the sharp rise in new cases over the last month.

Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells, with 37 patients, and Dartford and Gravesham, with 26, recorded no change, while in East Kent the number rose from 44 to 53.

In Medway, the total fell by five, to 50.

The difference in hospital admissions has widely been credited to the success of the vaccine rollout.

More than 600,000 booster doses have now been administered in Kent and Medway, with yesterday being the one-year anniversary of the first jab in the UK.

However, uncertainty surrounds the impact of the new omicron variant, which is thought to be more transmissible than previous strains.

A number of cases have been reported in the county, including one at a primary school in Swanscombe.

Pupils there have been urged to have a test at a UK Health Security Agency mobile testing unit.

Meanwhile, Kent County Council says it will reduce the number of councillors allowed in the chamber for its full council meeting next week to help curb the spread of Covid.

All members will be able to take part in debates but those who are not present will be, under current rules, unable to vote.

KCC has stressed that the number of those who are physically present will remain politically proportionate.