New Covid wave warning as cases in hospital patients soar by 31% in a fortnight
Health warning issued as Covid cases surge
- Covid cases among hospital patients in the UK have risen by almost a third in a fortnight, sparking concerns of a new wave.
- The positivity rate for respiratory symptoms in hospitals increased from 5.8 per cent on 26 July to 7.6 per cent on 10 August.
- Virologists warn that this rise reinforces the virus's continued circulation and potential for spread, especially with people returning to work and school, and cooler weather.
- Experts acknowledge the difficulty in accurately assessing community infection rates due to reduced testing, though further increases are expected.
- The government's autumn Covid vaccine programme will offer booster jabs to 13 million fewer people, excluding those aged 65-74, pregnant women, and individuals with certain chronic conditions.