Levels of Covid infection continue to rise in England, with more than 1.1 million people believed to have had the virus in the most recent week, data shows.
According to figures from the Office for National Statistics, based on randomly selected household swabs, around one in 50 people in England (2% of the population) had Covid in the week ending September 24, a up from one in 65 the previous week. .
Increases were seen in all parts of England in the most recent week, with the highest levels in the North East at around one in 40 people. Levels of infection were highest in those aged 70 and over, also in about one in 40 people, and have increased in children aged two to Year 6 (ages 10 to 11) and adults 35 and over.
While infection levels have also risen in the most recent week in Northern Ireland, the trend in Scotland and Wales is unclear.
Sarah Crofts, the deputy director of the Covid-19 infection survey, said infection levels in England were reaching those last seen in mid-August.
“Among the over-70s, there has been a marked increase in infections in England this week, a trend we will be watching closely as the winter months progress,” he said.
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A report published on Thursday by the UK’s Health Safety Agency revealed further signs that England was experiencing a new wave of Covid, with hospital admission rates in the South West showing a 250% rise since mid-September .
Dr Susan Hopkins, UKHSA’s chief medical adviser, urged people to take individual steps to slow the spread of Covid, including wearing masks.
“This week’s data shows further increases in Covid-19 cases and hospitalization rates, which are now at their highest level in months. Outbreaks in hospitals and nursing homes are also increasing,” he said.
“Make sure you have the Covid-19 vaccinations you are eligible for and avoid contact with others if you are unwell or have symptoms of a respiratory infection.
“If you are unwell, it is especially important to avoid contact with elderly people or people who are more likely to be seriously ill because of their health conditions.
“If you have symptoms of a respiratory infection, wearing a face covering will also help stop the spread of infections.”