The UK government has published its latest report on Covid-19 cases, with figures suggesting infections are on the rise. Data shows that Covid activity has increased in most indicators over the last seven days.
The number of suspected outbreaks increased to 170 compared to 133 in the previous week. Confirmed cases for week 38 of 2022 was 6.9 per 100,000 population, an increase from 5.5 across the previous seven days.
A large increase in the number of cases in those aged over 80 was also recorded. Hospital admissions also increased, from 4.96 per 100,000 to 7.62, with the highest rates seen in the North East (10.82 per 100,000).
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of public health programmes at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said: “It is clear now that we are seeing an increase which could signal the start of the anticipated winter wave of COVID-19 – so the time to boost your protection with a vaccine if you’re eligible is now. Cases have started to climb and hospitalisations are increasing in the oldest age groups.
“In the coming weeks, we expect a double threat of low immunity and widely circulating flu and COVID-19, creating an unpredictable winter and additional pressure on health services. While COVID-19 and flu can be mild infections for many, we must not forget that they can cause severe illness or even death for those most vulnerable in our communities.”
The updated data also showed that by the end of the latest week, 11.8% of all people aged over 50 had been vaccinated with an autumn booster dose, with the autumn booster campaign having started in early September.
