1 IN 60 HAS VIRUS AS INFECTIONS SURGE

Experts fear for NHS over winter

MARTIN BAGOT

A MAJOR rise in Covid cases has pushed infection rates near to the peak levels of January.

One in 60 people in England tested positive in the week to October 9, the Office for National Statistics found. This was up from one in 70 the previous week, and one in 85 a fortnight earlier.

In Wales it was even worse, with rates at their highest ever with one in 45 positive last week. Experts are worried for the NHS amid an expected surge in flu cases and other conditions over the Sarah Crofts of the ONS said: “The estimates show an increase in the infection levels across England and Wales but a decrease in Scotland. In Northern Ireland, the trend is uncertain.

“Once again, we continue to see the highest infection rates in children at secondary school.”

At the peak of the second wave in early January, around one in 50 were estimated to have Covid in England.

Around one in 10 schoolchildren in Years 7 to 11 in England were estimated to have Covid last week – the highest positivity for any age group.

Rates are also up for 50 to 69-yearwinter. olds and the over 70s. The percentage testing positive is estimated to be up in all regions except the East Midlands, London and North East.

The UK reported 44,932 more confirmed cases yesterday and 145 deaths. Covid hospital admissions were back above 7,000 this week, against the 38,000 January peak.

Dr Nikki Kanani of NHS England said: “We’ve seen a fantastic response to booster vaccination, so if you are waiting to get that vital protection please come forward.”