It was indeed a remarkable generation. On a personal level, I would include Professor Michael Lappert (FRS) who had the gentle patience to supervise my undergraduate degree in Chemistry.
web.archive.org/web/20140709...
Latest Situation Report on Covid and Flu activity across the UK, Europe, and the USA. Covid levels remain low in most countries, while Flu levels continue to fall in the UK and USA.
bhawkins3.substack.com/p/covid-situ...
Finally, Flu activity in the USA has dropped significantly this week, with levels decreasing in 42 states and only 6 still experiencing high or very high levels.
However the situation varies from state to state. This week Covid activity fell in 39 states but remains highest in the Northeast and Mid-West, while staying relatively low in the South and West regions.
Covid activity in the USA continued to fall at the national level, with Covid levels in wastewater decreasing slightly and are now moderate for the week ending January 17, 2026. Emergency department visits and hospital admissions also fell, while Covid test positivity remained broadly unchanged.
This week, Covid levels in wastewater dropped in most European countries that still share this data, with only Denmark and Austria reporting increases while staying at moderate levels.
In England, Covid test positivity rates and key hospital indicators remained steady this week, staying well within baseline levels. Flu activity has been declining from its recent peak and is now nearing low levels.
Latest Situation Report on Covid and Flu activity across the UK, Europe, and the USA. Covid levels remain low in most countries, while Flu levels continue to fall in the UK and USA.
bhawkins3.substack.com/p/covid-situ...
Flu activity has continued to increase significantly in the USA and is now at a high level across many states.
As of week ending January 3, 2026, Covid activity in the USA continues to increase and is now at a high level. Activity is highest in the Northeast and Mid-West states, while staying relatively low in the South and West regions.
This week, Covid levels in wastewater dropped in most European countries that still share this data, with only France seeing a slight increase but staying at low levels.
In England, the Covid test positivity rate and key hospital indicators stayed steady this week, well within the baseline activity level. Flu activity has fallen from its recent peak and is now circulating at medium levels.
Latest Situation Report on Covid and Flu activity across the UK, Europe, and the USA. While Covid levels remain low in most countries, some are showing signs of increased activity. Flu levels are falling in the UK but increasing in USA.
bhawkins3.substack.com/p/covid-situ...
First Situation Report of the year on Covid and Flu activity across the UK, Europe, and the USA. While Covid levels remain low in most countries, some are showing signs of increased activity.
bhawkins3.substack.com/p/covid-situ...
Finally, Flu activity in the USA has risen sharply and is at very high or high levels in many states.
Covid activity in the USA has risen to a moderate level nationwide, though there are significant variations from state to state.
The latest data for Covid levels in wastewater shows a mixed picture across European countries. Levels increased in some countries, though activity levels varied considerable between countries.
In England, COVID hospital admissions remain at record low levels. Flu activity has fallen from its recent peak and is now circulating at medium levels, although this week saw a slight increase in admissions.
First Situation Report of the year on Covid and Flu activity across the UK, Europe, and the USA. While Covid levels remain low in most countries, some are showing signs of increased activity.
bhawkins3.substack.com/p/covid-situ...
Here is the correct link to the report which includes the data presented in the chart (see Table 1 on page 9). The report is clear that UK regional inequality has accelerated since the 1980's but makes a strong case that this is a long-standing issue.
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications...
The following chart illustrates that regional economic inequality is a long-standing problem, with London's growth dominant.
Data is from a recent report reviewing UK policies (not) addressing regional inequalities over the past 100 years.
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/documents/55...
Situation report for December 18 on Covid and Flu activity across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
While Covid levels remain low in most countries, some are showing signs of increased activity.
bhawkins3.substack.com/p/covid-situ...
Finally, Covid activity in the USA is generally low, though many states are experiencing an increase. Flu cases are also on the rise, but starting from relatively low levels.
This week again shows a mixed picture for European countries reporting Covid levels in wastewater. While levels rose across all countries, the intensity of activity varied considerably from one country to another.
In England, COVID hospital admissions remain at record low levels. Flu activity has stabilised at a medium activity level, with hospitalisations steady and test positivity starting to drop. With the Flu season still in full swing, it’s a good idea to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.
Situation report for December 18 on Covid and Flu activity across the UK, Europe, and the USA.
While Covid levels remain low in most countries, some are showing signs of increased activity.
bhawkins3.substack.com/p/covid-situ...
Finally, Covid levels in wastewater are staying low or very low in most US states, though a few are seeing higher levels of activity.
Once again, it’s a mixed picture for European countries reporting Covid levels in wastewater. Activity is clearly on the rise in Germany, with some indications of increases in other countries as well, though starting from relatively low levels.
The risk of hospitalisation is highest among the very youngest age group and the elderly for both Flu and RSV. While current hospital admissions for Covid are lower, the elderly remain more likely to be hospitalised.
If you’re experiencing Covid-like symptoms, there’s a good chance it's Flu or RSV.
In England, Covid hospital admissions are at record lows, but flu admissions are still climbing. With Flu season in full swing, it’s a good idea to get your vaccination if you haven’t already.
