Over a million Britons will get Covid because of this Christmassuggest official data today as the number of cases jumped 9 percent in less than a week.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) bosses have urged anyone feeling ‘unwell’ to avoid loved ones over the holiday season. Frustrated Britons have already spoken out about how they had to cancel their plans after testing positive.
Bureau of National Statistics (U.S) figures show 1.2 million people had the virus on any given day of the week up to December 9 in England. It was more than the 1.1 million estimated to have had the virus just four days earlier.
Experts said the number of MailOnline infections is likely to have continued to rise in the weeks since, with more people mingling indoors for festive social gatherings during the cold weather.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 1.2 million people had the virus on any given day of the week up to December 9 in England
Today’s ONS data – the last to be published before Christmas – shows that the number of Covid cases has also risen by 30 per cent in a week to 130,900 in Scotland. They also rose 3 percent to 57,600 in Wales, but fell 4 percent to 37,000 in Northern Ireland
Covid was most common among adults aged 25 to 34, with 2.8 percent of the age group testing positive during the week. They were followed by 35 to 39 year olds (2.7 percent)
Regionally, infections were most common in London, where 2.5 per cent of the population had the virus, followed by the South West (2.4 per cent), West Midlands (2.3 per cent) and North East (2.2 per cent) .
Professor Paul Hunter, a public health expert at the University of East Anglia, said: ‘The ONS data only goes until 9 December, so [it’s] already a bit outdated.
“It looks like the number of infections is still increasing, but not as fast as in previous waves, so I suspect we will see the number of infections rising until after Christmas, but likely to peak soon after.
“The run-up to Christmas is often associated with increased chances of respiratory virus transmission, but population mixing is much less during the Christmas holiday.”
More recent data shows that the number of people in hospital with Covid in England, Scotland and Wales is on a marked upward trend, with the number of patients in England rising by 29 per cent in the past week to the highest level in almost two months.
The wave of Covid comes after the British were warned of a separate flu outbreak hitting the NHS.
Nearly 60 times as many people were hospitalized with the virus last week as the same time last winter.
Today’s ONS data – the last to be published before Christmas – shows that the number of Covid cases has also risen by 30 per cent in a week to 130,900 in Scotland.
They also rose 3 percent to 57,600 in Wales, but fell 4 percent to 37,000 in Northern Ireland.
In England, Covid was most common among adults aged 25 to 34, with 2.8 per cent of the age group testing positive during the week.
Regionally, infections were most common in London, where 2.5 percent of the population had the virus, followed by the South West (2.4 percent), West Midlands (2.3 percent) and North East (2.2 percent). ).
Sarah Crofts, deputy director for Covid-19 Infection Survey Analysis, said: ‘Today’s data shows that Covid infections have risen for a fourth consecutive week in England, with cases continuing to rise in Scotland as well.
“More than half of England’s regions saw an increase, although it’s a mixed picture for different ages.
Infections have increased in most adults under 70, while high school age children experienced a decrease in infections.
“We will continue to monitor the data closely in the coming weeks.”
The rise comes after health bosses pleaded with Britons to cancel their Christmas plans if they suffered from Covid or flu symptoms.
Dr. Mary Ramsay, a director of the UKHSA, said eligible adults should get their flu and Covid shots.
She added: ‘Both Covid and flu can cause serious illness or even death for the most vulnerable in our communities, which is why it’s also important to avoid contact with other people if you’re not feeling well, to help prevent that infections spread during the Christmas and New Year period.’
Dozens of people who have tested positive for the virus this week have revealed that their party plans have already been ruined by Covid.
One tweeted: “Merry Christmas to me!!! A way to end the week and start the festivities.
“I want to thank my youngest, who has had Covid for the third time, for passing it on to me for the first time.”
Another said, ‘Finally got me. Merry Covid Christmas.”
A third added, “It’s really the gift that keeps on giving, isn’t it?”
But some have tried to see the brighter side of things, with one person sharing a meme of the Grinch with his head in a fishbowl tweeting, “I trust me for the rest of Christmas to catch Covid. Christmas has been cancelled.”
A woman decorated her living room with “Covid Christmas” decorations, with red and green cutouts of the virus replacing traditional baubles.
‘I’ve had to rearrange family Christmas, but I’m having Covid Christmas in isolation with two other Covid positive friends!’ they said.
Television presenter Julia Bradbury also succumbed to the virus, after testing positive three days before Christmas.
The 52-year-old had hoped to enjoy the festivities in peace with her partner Gerard Cunningham, three children and Julia’s parents Michael and Chrissi. her diagnosis of breast cancer and mastectomy.
But tweeting on Thursday night, Julia said, “Merry Christmas everyone. #COVID’
Covid hospitalizations stood at 9.6 per 100,000 people last week, a fraction above the equivalent rate for flu, which is 8.3 per 100,000.
Flu admissions overtook Covid admissions earlier this month but have now fallen behind, although both sets of rates continue to rise week after week.
The latest numbers come amid fears that more children across the country are falling ill from both Covid and the flu.
Dr. Susan Hopkins, Chief Medical Advisor at UKHSA, urged those who feel unwell to stay home: ‘Hospitalizations have increased dramatically in the past week in people aged 75 and over, with admissions among children under five still rising. is always high.
‘The number of IC admissions has also increased this week. NHS services are already under pressure, so it’s more important than ever to get protected with the flu vaccine and keep yourself out of hospital.
‘Most children aged two and three can get a nasal spray against the flu from their GP. If you’re pregnant or in a clinical risk group, you’re also at greater risk, so it’s even more important that you take up the offer.
“Anyone over 50 can get a free flu or Covid booster vaccine that can be booked online.
“We can all take steps to prevent flu and other infections from spreading, if you’re not feeling well try to stay at home and if you must go out, wear a face covering in enclosed areas.” Wash your hands regularly and try to keep rooms well ventilated.’