Covid-19 infections within the UK have jumped by round 7 per cent, with the continuing rise nonetheless pushed by the latest Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
Hospital numbers are additionally persevering with to extend, with early indicators of an increase in intensive care admissions amongst older age teams.
A complete of three.8 million folks in personal households are estimated to have had within the week as much as 14 July, in response to the newest Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures. The earlier week there have been round 3.3 million instances throughout the UK.
That is the best estimate for complete infections since late April, however continues to be a way under the report excessive of 4.9 million seen on the peak of the Omicron BA.2 wave on the finish of March.
ONS information reveals that in summer season 2020 under 0.1 per cent of the inhabitants in England have been testing constructive whereas in 2021 it was 1.57 per cent. Now it’s round 4 per cent.
The newest report from the Covid evaluation app ZOE reveals a sore throat has now grow to be probably the most reported symptom.
The ZOE examine permits contaminated folks to report their signs whereas affected by the virus.
The information supplied is then analysed by King’s College London researchers who observe infections throughout the UK, in addition to figuring out who’s most in danger and the place high-risk areas are.
Almost 58 per cent of all Covid sufferers who used the app reported struggling a sore throat earlier than returning constructive exams.
A headache, blocked nostril and cough have been reported as the following commonest signs.
Professor Tim Spector, who leads the ZOE challenge, stated: “Covid is still rampant in the population. ZOE Health Study data shows that there were over 350,000 daily Covid cases this week – a new record for the UK.
ICU submissions have increased among the elderly, UKHSA has said
(PA)
“So much so, that if you have any cold-like symptoms at the moment it’s nearly twice as likely to be Covid as a cold.
“Even if people have had a past infection and are fully vaccinated, people are still catching it.
“Although we all want to make the most of the good weather, people will need to decide for themselves whether going to large events, working from the office or using busy public transport is worth the risk.”
Sarah Crofts, ONS head of analytical outputs for the Covid an infection survey, stated: “Across the UK we’ve seen a continued increase of over half a million infections, likely caused by the growth of BA.4 and BA.5 variants.
“This rise is seen across all ages, countries and regions of England.
“We will continue to monitor the data closely to see if this growth continues in the coming weeks.”
The primary symptom is now a sore throat in response to the ZOE Covid app
(PA)
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of medical programmes on the UK Health Security Agency, stated: “We continue to see an increase in Covid-19 data, with a rise in case rates and hospitalisations in those aged 65 years and over, and outbreaks in care homes.
“We can also now see a rise in ICU admissions in older age groups.
“Vaccination remains the best defence against severe disease and hospitalisation. Covid-19 has not gone away and we should all remember to keep up good hand and respiratory hygiene.
“It is also sensible to wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces.”
