Health officials in the UK have reported a sharp increase in the number of confirmed Covid cases, with a particular concern over a newly identified variant. In England alone, there were 11,668 confirmed cases in the past week, representing a 29 percent rise compared to the previous week. The case rate stood at 20.6 per 100,000 people. Parts of North Staffordshire, specifically Newcastle borough, have been hit hard by the virus, recording 57 cases over the same seven-day period, resulting in a rate of 44 per 100,000. The only area with a higher case rate is Allerdale, in Cumbria.
The rise in cases has led to an increase in hospital admissions, indicating that the virus is spreading more extensively. In response, health officials are urging individuals aged 65 and older in England to receive booster vaccines as a precautionary measure. The highly-mutated new variant, known as BA.2.86 or the Pirola variant, has prompted the accelerated rollout of booster shots. Although hospital admissions for Covid patients are at their highest level since April, intensive care admissions remain low.
Other regions of the UK have also reported significant Covid cases. In Wales, there were 328 cases, equating to a rate of 10.3 per 100,000 people. Scotland recorded 1,615 cases, with a rate of 29.5 per 100,000 during the same period. The recent surge in cases has raised concerns about the potential for further spread and the need for increased precautions.
Those eligible for the autumn Covid booster shots include all adults aged 65 and older, care home residents, frontline health and social workers, individuals aged six months to 64 in a clinical risk group (such as pregnant women or those with diabetes or obesity), people aged 12 to 64 living with individuals with weakened immune systems, and carers and staff working in care homes for older adults.
Sources:
– Health officials
– BBC News
