By Covid infections rising again across UK
According to the latest estimates from the Office for National Statistics, Covid infections are increasing across the UK with about one in 25 people infected.
In Scotland, 300,000 people – roughly one in 18 – have coronavirus, the highest level recorded during the pandemic.
A new sub-variant of Omicron, called BA.2, is now thought to be the most common strain in most of the UK.
While the ONS says it’s too early to say what’s behind the rise in cases, some scientists believe the BA.2 variant’s increased transmissibility, the recent easing of restrictions and waning immunity from the vaccines could all be factors.
When asked if there were worries about sub-variants Health Secretary Sajid Javid said the government had “no concerns at all”.
He said Omicron had been the last variant to be considered of concern but that the country had “successfully navigated” it, but that government continued to monitor the situation “very carefully”.
“There’s a world-class surveillance system in place, and whilst in some regions we have seen a modest rise in infections, overall case numbers are still very low and hospitalisation numbers are way below their peak,” he added.
The ONS infection survey, which tests thousands of people randomly across the UK, estimates that 2.6 million people would have tested positive in the week ending 5 March – roughly one in 27.
An extra vaccine booster is being offered this spring to people over 75, care-home residents and the most vulnerable over-12s to top up their protection.
These groups will be invited to have a jab six months after their most recent vaccination.
NHS England said the booster will be rolled out in April, with the most vulnerabe being given the chance to get boosted in March.
