Cases of covid infections across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are rising, and are said to be linked with Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5. Independent SAGE scientist Professor Christina Pagel has warned there are four variants of Omicron "all increasing rapidly" at the moment, whereas the previous wave in March had two variants.
Data released on Thursday, June 16, showed the number of acute respiratory infection incidents (suspected outbreaks of the virus) had risen by almost 100 in a week going from 78 to 170 in week 23 (June 6-12). The hospital admission rate for week 23 was 6.10 per 100,000 population, an increase from 4.65 in the previous week, WalesOnline reports.
It comes as coronavirus infections in the UK have risen for the first time in two months, with a total of 1.4 million people in private households estimated to have had the virus last week, up 43 per cent from 989,800 the previous week, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
READ MORE: New research shows Omicron is less likely to cause long Covid than Delta variant
Professor Christina Pagel told a briefing of the Independent Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies: “We will have a new wave of infections this month. Now hopefully it won't be as high as the previous two waves and might be lower. But we can't count on that and either way we are going to see more people becoming infected.”
This is the highest estimate for total infections since the start of May. However it is still well below the record high of 4.9 million which was reached at the end of March. Omicron BA.1 is the original variant of Omicron that caused a surge in infections across the UK in December and early January.
BA.4 and BA.5 are newer variants that were recently classified by the UK Health Security Agency as “variants of concern”, after analysis found both were likely to have a “growth advantage” over BA.2, which is still the dominant strain in the country.
Dr Mary Ramsay, Director of Clinical Programmes at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: "After a period of low case rates, we are now seeing increases in outbreaks within care homes and in hospitalisations among those aged 80 years and over. It is encouraging that we are not seeing an increase in intensive care unit (ICU) admissions but we are monitoring data closely and assessing the possible impact of subvariants BA.4 and BA.5.
"As we enter summer, it’s still important to remember that COVID-19 has not gone away and to get vaccinated to reduce the risk of becoming seriously ill with the virus. If you’re not yet up to date with your jabs please come forward now – it’s not too late to get protected.
"Remember to observe good hand and respiratory hygiene. It is also sensible to wear a face covering in crowded, enclosed spaces. If you have any symptoms of a respiratory infection, and a high temperature or feel unwell, try to stay at home or away from others – especially elderly or vulnerable people."
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