Covid deaths in England may rise as cases in over-55s increase

This relatively low number of deaths and hospitalisations largely reflects the success of the vaccination programme. Photograph: Victoria Jones/PA

A rise in Covid infections in the over-55s could see an increased number of hospitalisations and deaths in the coming weeks, experts have warned.

Imperial College London’s latest React-1 study found that while infections appeared to be slowing down or plateauing in most younger age groups in England, they were rising in over-55s, with no clear sign of when they will peak.