(GBC) — The Office for National Statistic reported that Covid infections in the UK have reached a record high for those over 70. Officials have attributed the increase to the lifting of Covid restrictions and the more infectious BA.2 variant.
Close to 3.3 million people were infected with Covid in the week ending March 12, representing a 26% increase from the week before. On March 16, hospitals in England admitted 1,823 Covid patients, the highest figure since January 13.
Oxford University’s James Naismith told the Financial Times that “at this level of prevalence and the decision not to halt the spread, the most likely outcome is that almost everyone who is susceptible is going to be infected,” adding that he is concerned with symptoms known as “long Covid”, which persists after recovery in serious cases.
A study of more than 15,000 care home residents found that vaccine immunity have declined steeply, as it has been six months since most received their last dose. Those who are over 75 or are immunocompromised are set to receive an additional booster dose from the end of the month.
