London: The UK is experiencing a marked increase in new Covid infections, say experts from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Latest data from swab tests in the community suggests one in every 160 people has the virus.
That is up from one in every 250 in the previous week. For England, it is the highest level since mid- February. The more infectious Delta variant now accounts for 99% of cases, according to Public Health England.
Around two-thirds of adults have now been double jabbed against the virus, and experts say this is helping prevent very big rises in Covid hospitalisations, although admissions are increasing.
Many of the infections being seen are among teenagers and young adults.
The final step of unlocking is expected to go ahead as planned on 19 July in England. It will be confirmed on 12 July after a review of data.
In England, one in 160 people had the virus – up from one in 260 in the previous week and the highest level since the week to February 19
In Scotland, it was one in 100 people – up from one in 150 and the highest level since the week to January 16
For Wales, it was one in 340 people – up from one in 450 and the highest level since the week to February 27. In Northern Ireland it was one in 300 people – up from one in 670 and the highest since the week to April 3
England’s coronavirus R number has risen slightly to between 1.2 and 1.5, which means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between 12 and 15 other people. BBC
