Flu and coronavirus (COVID-19) are currently circulating at high levels and are likely to continue to increase in coming weeks. Almost three million people across the UK tested positive for COVID in late December, the highest number since July.
The concerning number is more than double the number at the start of December and the highest total since mid-July. Office of National Statistics (ONS) head of health surveillance, Michelle Bowen, said infections have increased in all of Britain, with levels in Northern Ireland now at their highest since March 2022.
She added: "Across English regions, infections have increased in the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, the East of England, the South East and the South West. Cases have also increased in those aged two to school Year 6, and those aged 50 years and over."
