COVID-19 infections in the UK have risen to around 400,000, with continued growth still driven by the new Omicron BA.4 and BA.
The number of hospitalizations continues to rise as well, with early signs of an increase in intensive care admissions among older age groups.
According to the latest Office for National Statistics (ONS), a total of 2.7 million people in private homes are projected to be in the weeks leading up to June 29. In the past week, there were around 2.3 million cases across the UK.
This is the highest estimate of total infections since late April, but it is still slightly lower than the record 4.9 million seen at the peak of the Omicron BA.2 wave at the end of March.
ONS data shows that in the summer of 2020, less than 0.1% of the population in England was testing positive, compared to 1.57% in 2021. Now it is around 4%.
The latest report from the COVID Zoe Analytics app shows that sore throat has become the most commonly reported symptom now.
The ZOE Covid Study App allows infected people to report their symptoms when they are infected with the virus.
The data provided is analyzed by researchers at King’s College London who track infections across the UK, as well as identify who is most at risk and where the high-risk areas are.
About 58% of all COVID patients who used the app reported a sore throat before returning positive for the test.
UKHSA says ICU submissions among senior citizens have increased
(PA wire)
Headache, stuffy nose and cough were reported as the next most common symptoms.
Professor Tim Spector, who led the ZOE Health Study app, said: “Covid is still at large in the population. Data from the ZOE Health Study shows there were over 350,000 daily COVID cases this week – a new one for the UK record.
“So much so that if you have any symptoms of a cold now, it is almost twice as likely to be a covid than a cold.
“Even if people have had a previous infection and are fully vaccinated, people are still catching it.
“While we all want to make the most of good weather, people have to decide for themselves whether it’s worth going to big events, working in the office, or using busy public transportation.”
Sarah Crofts, ONS Head of Analytical Outcomes for Covid-19 Infection Research, said: “Across the UK, we have seen a sustained increase of Ba.4 and Ba.5, potentially over half a million infections.
“This increase is seen in all ages, countries and regions of England.
“We will continue to monitor the data closely to see if this increase continues in the coming weeks.”
The virus is most prevalent in Scotland, where an estimated 312,800 people had COVID-19 last week, or one in 17. It was one of 250,700 or 20 a week ago.
Symptom Number One Is Now a Sore Throat, According to the Covid ZOE App
(Spade)
In England, 2.1 million people were likely diagnosed with the virus last week, up from 1.8 million and the equivalent of nearly one in 25.
Wales has seen infections up to one in 149,700 or 20, up to one in 106,000 or 30. And 98,400 people in Northern Ireland have been diagnosed with the virus, or one in 19.
Mary Ramsay, director of clinical programs at the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), said: “We are seeing an increase in the Covid-19 data, with the rate of cases and hospitalizations in people aged 65 and over. continue. More, and outbreaks in nursing homes
“Now we can see an increase in ICU admissions in older age groups as well.
“Vaccination is the best defense against serious illness and hospitalization. COVID-19 has not disappeared and we all must remember to maintain good hand and respiratory hygiene. Wearing a face covering in closed, crowded places It’s also sensible.”
