There are fears Covid cases could soar as children return to school this week.
The number of new daily infections have almost doubled in a month to nearly 93,000, according to estimates. Cases are expected to rise into the autumn as children go back to school after the summer holidays. Data shows there were 92,965 new daily cases of symptomatic infection on September 1 - up from about 50,000 at the start of August.
The ZOE health study, based on data from millions of app users, estimates there are around 1.15 million people in the UK with the virus. The rise in cases comes alongside the emergence of a new Covid BA.2.86 variant, known as Pirola. A spin-off of Omicron, just four cases have officially been detected in the UK, although far fewer tests are now conducted.
Health leaders have warned it could be “a very challenging winter
” if it is found to increase the risk of infection. Officials have brought forward the annual flu and Covid vaccination programme in a bid to ensure vulnerable people are protected. Those eligible will be able to book jabs from next week rather than early October as originally planned.
Residents in adult care homes and the clinically vulnerable will be first in line, followed by groups including over-65s and healthcare staff.
