Health experts have warned that we have entered “another Covid-19 wave” as cases climb across the country – and now you can track the latest data in your area by using our interactive map
Covid-19 cases are on the rise across the UK, with experts warning that we have entered another wave – and now you can track the latest data in your area with our interactive map.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has reported that from late July, Covid-19 case rates and positivity rates had picked up across England. Government data has revealed that there were 8,961 confirmed cases in the seven days leading up to September 2, working out at 15.8 cases for every 100,000 people in the country.
In Wales, there were an additional 298 cases which is equivalent to 9.4 for every 100,000 people. Meanwhile, in Scotland there were 1,561 confirmed cases which works out as 28.6 for every 100,000 people.
Professor Christina Pagel, a mathematician from University College London who is a sitting member on the Independent SAGE group, said that she was "reasonably certain that we have entered another Covid-19 wave". She also shared her fears that the country could again be hit by a repeat of last winter's flu, Covid and respiratory virus triple whammy, placing more pressure on the NHS.
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The Eris mutation now accounts for one in seven Covid-19 cases – while the number of people recorded with the virus jumped from an estimated 3.3 per 100,000 to 7.2 in the space of less than a month. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared Eris a variant of interest, and is asking countries to monitor it as cases grow globally.
Experts are now concerned about the Omicron subvariant, currently known as ‘BA.6’, which is showing an alarming tendency to mutate. Infectious disease specialist Professor Paul Hunter, from the University of East Anglia, told the MailOnline that the BA.6 variant had "probably" started spreading already. He added: "If it isn't now, then it probably very soon will be."
Keeping up to date on Covid-19 cases in your area can protect you from catching the disease. Using our interactive map, search for your postcode to see how your local area compares.
Another variant being closely monitored by WHO is 'Pirola', which has more than 30 different mutations, making it difficult for experts to analyse properly. Top scientists have admitted they "know nothing about" the strain, as positive cases have doubled almost every few days in the past few weeks, resulting in the new fast-mutating virus quickly taking over as England's dominant Covid strain.
But while the figures show an increase in cases, it may not reflect the virus’ actual prevalence in the country as the removal of free testing has seen the number of tests plummet since the height of the pandemic. There were a total of just 32,151 tests taken in England in the seven days leading up to August 8, a staggering decline from the 4.8 million at the same point in 2021.
The latest data provided by GOV.UK shows that the North East had the highest rate of confirmed cases across England in the seven days leading up to September 8, with 19.5 cases of Covid-19 for every 100,000 people. This area was followed by the South West which boasts 19 for every 100,000 people. Meanwhile, there were 17.9 in the South East and North West.
While it appears we may have entered another Covid-19 wave, Professor Pagel has stressed it was "unlikely that this wave will cause a large surge in hospital admissions or deaths" because of the UK's high rate of vaccinations.
Millions of people will now be offered a Covid-19 vaccine from September 11, following an announcement made by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) and the UKHSA on the risks presented by the new BA.2.86 variant.
It comes after US health officials said the variant is highly mutated and potentially more likely to infect those previously vaccinated. Vaccine immunity will be boosted starting with the most vulnerable in care homes and the immunosuppressed from Monday followed by the over-65s and care workers.
Steve Russell, NHS England’ vaccinations director, said: “While we know that flu and covid usually hit hardest in December and January, the new covid variant presents a greater risk now, which is why we will be ensuring as many people as possible are vaccinated against Covid sooner.”
Dr Meera Chand, the deputy director of UKHSA, said the emergence of new variants was not unexpected. She added: “Vaccination remains our best defence against future Covid-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible.”
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