The proportion of people testing positive for Covid has jumped in the space of a week, latest figures have revealed.
Positivity rates from the virus through the UK Health Security Agency’s (UKHSA) surveillance system were 7.1 per cent last week, compared to 4.6 per cent the previous week.
The figures relate to the proportion of people who take a Covid test, not the overall population. Positivity rates were highest in those aged over 65, at 10.4 per cent.
While people testing positive for Covid can be typically at 10 per cent or higher in the winter, the sudden jump from 4.6 per cent to 7.1 per cent in a week, in the middle of spring, is likely to prompt concerns of a mini-wave of the virus.
The UKHSA urged people eligible for a Covid vaccine to have their spring booster.
There were 297 positive samples for Covid out of 4,196 specimens reported by laboratories in the Respiratory DataMart System, which carries out ongoing surveillance for the virus.
Hospitalisations from Covid also increased slightly from 1.97 to 2.56 per 100,000 over the one-week period.
However, this rate is far lower than the peak of the pandemic, when admissions were at more than 30 per 100,000.
People eligible for a spring booster – those aged 75 years and over, care home residents and people who are immunosuppressed – have until 30 June to have the jab.
Dr Mary Ramsay, director of public health programmes at UKHSA, said: “Now is the time to get a Covid-19 spring booster if you’re eligible, as we’re starting to see a rise in Covid-19 cases and hospitalisations after a few weeks of low activity.
”The Covid-19 vaccine offers the best protection for those most at risk as the virus spreads. So, if you are aged 75 and over, a resident in a care home for older adults, or have a weakened immune system, book now. You don’t have to wait for the NHS to get in contact with you.
“If you have symptoms of flu or Covid-19 try to stay at home, as this helps protect others, especially those who are vulnerable. If you do need to go out when you are unwell especially if you attending settings with vulnerable people, consider wearing a mask.”
Maurice Saatchi: I used to adore capitalism – then I had lunch with Margaret Thatcher