UK covid rates are continuing their fall, dropping 7 per cent in a single week, but hospital admissions rise slightly, and deaths jump by 30 percent.

The Department of Health reported another 37,269 daily infected, a decrease of 6.5 percent compared to the figures from Monday.

This marks the 11th day in a row that cases have fallen. Separate data suggests that infection rates are falling in nine out of 10 local authorities. Cases have also peaked for 2021.

But hospitalisations and deaths  — which lag a few weeks behind cases due to the time it takes for someone to become seriously unwell after catching the virus — are both on the rise.

One hundred and fifty deaths were reported within 28 days after testing positive. Meanwhile, 1,005 Covid-infected Britons sought medical attention. 

Data from the UK Health and Security Agency, (UKHSA), showed that cases decreased in approximately 90 per cent of England’s local authorities during the week ending October 31. 

Separate data from ZOE Covid Study, the largest surveillance study in the UK, showed a 5 percent decrease in cases in the UK in a single week. The King’s College London researchers behind the findings estimate there were about 89,000 new symptomatic infections every day last week, down on the 93,000 they forecasted the previous week. 

Professor Tim Spector is the epidemiologist behind this survey. He stated that the country is likely to have reached the “last great peak” of Covid for the year. 

It comes as, ministers are expected to reveal in the coming days that NHS won’t have to get a Covid jab this winter to keep their jobs — one of the measures they were considering to keep the pandemic at bay over the coming months. Whitehall insiders confirm that the no jab no job rule will take effect starting in April.

And the first at-home antiviral pill used to to treat Covid was approved by Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency today.  

Map shows: The percentage change in case rates in authorities across in England during the week ending October 24
Map shows: The percentage change in case rates in authorities across in England during the week ending October 31

The half-term week saw a drop in the incidence of covid infections in England in all but 10%, according to data from the UK Health and Security Agency’s weekly Flu and Covid Surveillance Report.

Official data showed England recorded 30,166 new infections, 2,823 cases were confirmed in Scotland, while 2,799 were spotted in Wales and 1,481 in Northern Ireland. The trend in cases appears to be downwards across all four countries.

The October 21st, 2012 peak in infections saw 52,009 reported cases of infection.

UK approves Merck’s at home pill for Covid.

Britain’s medicines regulator approved the first at home medication to treat Covid today.  

Clinical trials have shown that antiviral molnupiravir can reduce hospitalization rates by half in vulnerable and older patients.

Merck’s tablet — which will be sold under the brand name Lagevrio — will be given twice a day to people within a week of testing positive. 

It will target those at high risk, such as Britons over 60 or patients with heart disease or diabetes, obesity, and other comorbidities.  

Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, said that the treatment was a “gamechanger” for the most fragile and immunosuppressed who are susceptible to Covid even if they have been vaccinated. 

Britain has bought 480,000 doses of molnupiravir at a cost thought to be in the region of £250million. 

Ministers have also ordered 250,000 courses of the antiviral drug PF-073 from Pfizer, the drug giant behind the jab currently deployed for the UK’s booster drive.

It is expected to be available on the NHS in the next few weeks, giving the country an extra layer of defense as we head into winter.  

The pill will go out to both vaccinated Britons as well as those not vaccinated. Officials also will collect real-world data in order to purchase more. 

Since the pandemic started, there have been more than 9million positive test results in the UK. The real number of infections is much higher due to limited testing capabilities at the beginning of the crisis. Not everyone who catches the virus will be able to undergo a test. 

The number of people admitted to hospital for being infected by Covid rose by 4.5 percent compared to last week. Some 1,005 people sought NHS care on October 31 — the most recent day the data is available for — up from the 962 patients on the same day one week earlier. 

In the meantime, 214 people died within 28-days of being tested positive for the virus. This is an increase of 29.7 percent from the 165 deaths last Thursday.

In the UK, 41,242 first and 17,965 seconds doses were administered. This means that 50.1 million over-12s (87.1%) have had at least one injection, and 45.7million (796.6%) are fully immunized.

A total of 9million people were reached by the booster jabs, with 359834 people registering. Top-up injections and first jabs to 12- to 15-year olds are key components of the Government’s Plan B to lower infection levels this winter.

UKHSA data revealed that cases dropped in 132 of 149 English local authorities during the week ending on October 31.

Its figures show that infections were highest last week in the South West (533.5 per 100,000), but they declined 21 percent from the week before (675.9 per 100,000).

All regions saw a drop in cases, with the largest drops in the South East (16%) and East of England (13%), respectively. 

London has the lowest rate at 256.1, which is down from 288.9. 

The highest case rate was for those aged 10-19 (785.6 per 100,000). However, the largest drop in cases was at 36%. 

They were followed by over-80s (16%), five- to nine year-olds (21%), and 70- to79-year olds (9%) 

Hospital admissions in England were 8.7 per 100,000 people for the week, unchanged from the week before.

At 52.6 per 100,000, admission rates for people over 85 continue to be the highest.

The ZOE study found that there were 88.592 daily symptomatic Covid patients in the UK during the week ending October 30.

This was based upon data from 42,359 positive and lateral flow tests and hundreds of thousands of app users.

A third (26,928) of all cases were among double-jabbed Brits.

The experts behind the ZOE Covid Study — which is based on reports from around 750,000 weekly contributors and more than 40,000 swabs — calculated there were 88,592 daily symptomatic Covid cases across the UK, based on data from 42,359 positive PCR and lateral flow tests taken between October 16 and 30. Around a third of cases (26,928) are among double-jabbed Brits, up from 26,928 last week, the study found.

The experts behind the ZOE Covid Study — which is based on reports from around 750,000 weekly contributors and more than 40,000 swabs — calculated there were 88,592 daily symptomatic Covid cases across the UK, based on data from 42,359 positive PCR and lateral flow tests taken between October 16 and 30. The study revealed that 26.928 cases (or 36% of all cases) are among double-jabbed Brits. This figure is up from 26,928 in the previous week.

The UKHSA data shows cases were highest in the South West last week (533.5 cases per 100,000) but they fell 21 per cent from the previous week (675.9 per 100,000)

UKHSA data showed that cases in the South West were at their highest (533.5 cases per 100,000), but they declined 21 percent from the previous week (675.9 cases per 100,000).

People aged 10 to 19 had the highest case rate of any age group (785.6 per 100,000) but also the biggest fall in cases, with 36 per cent

People aged 10-19 had the highest rate of cases (785.6 per 100). However, they also saw the greatest drop in cases with 36%

Across the UK, one in 53 people were estimated to have symptomatic Covid, while the figure is higher in England (one in 52) and Wales (one in 42), while it was less in Scotland (one in 81). 

Despite fears of an increase, NHS staff will not be required to have a Covid jab.

NHS workers won’t be fired if they don’t get vaccinated for Covid this winter. This was despite fears of another wave in the future.

Ministers will announce compulsory jabs to hundreds of thousands frontline medics over the next few days, but the actual rule won’t be implemented until April.

This policy is part in an effort to control rising infections. The double-jabbed will soon be able to book their third booster dosis a month sooner than planned to accelerate the roll-out.

Officials have been discussing a ‘no jab no job’ move for NHS staff for several months in an effort to protect the winter health service. Ministers have already made the controversial move for care home workers. They are required to take two doses starting November 11.

Department of Health bosses told MailOnline ‘no final decision’ had been made, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid rumoured to still have reservations about the policy — despite publicly admitting that he was ‘leaning towards’ the mandate.

However, a Whitehall insider familiar with the negotiations claimed that the move was a done deal’ and could now be officially announced.

This is after England’s deputy chief physician officer yesterday said that Covid booster shots for flu jabs, flu jabs, and ‘caution” are key to coping the virus during the problematic’ Christmas period. Professor Jonathan Van-Tam suggested that additional lockdowns can be avoided and the pandemic managed by spring if people behave responsibly.  

The researchers stated that there were not enough respondents from Northern Ireland to provide a reliable estimate.

Within the UK, infection rates were highest in West Midlands (one in 45), South West (one in 45) and North East (one in 46).

A drop in infection rates among children was the main driver of the downward tread, the researchers said.

One in 34 people aged 10-19 were infected last week. Children aged 9 and under are at one in 52. 

Infections are levelling off in all other groups apart from those aged 55 to 75, which the experts said is a ’cause for concern’ — but rates are still below the national average in the group. 

It estimated that the R-rate in the UK was at one. This means that 10 people with the virus are spreading it to 10 others.

ZOE also predicted that 1,489 people per day would experience Covid symptoms for more than 12 weeks.

Professor Spector stated, “It’s great that cases are finally starting to come down. And hopefully we’re over this last great peak of Covid by 2021. 

“This is due in large measure to declining rates in children who have been on half-term holidays and high rates previous infection rates, but we’re optimistic that the trend will continue.”

He stated that while it is “still worrying” that cases in the older and more vulnerable age group are rising, he said that the booster programme will likely reduce these cases.  

Professor Spector stated that despite the drop in temperatures and the arrival of winter, there is still far too much Covid in the community. This leads to high long-term Covid and hospitalisation rates compared with other countries in Western Europe. 

“With high rates for other viral respiratory illnesses (although not flu yet), there is no reason to be complacent.”

He said, “While restrictions, vaccines, and masks are all factors, it is clear that there is no single solution to permanently lowering rates.” 

“We’ve found that a combination vaccine and population safety precautions works best. Therefore, the third booster vaccine is combined with mask wearing, distancing in high-risk areas, and this is our way out.

Professor Jonathan Ball, University of Nottingham virologist, said that the half-term break likely reduced transmission among children. Rates may rise once students return to school.

He stated that virus transmission in younger individuals will have one consequence: they will become immune to the virus, and transmission will slow down. 

‘Whilst I don’t expect massive increases in case numbers, I think case numbers over the next few months will still be lumpy as the virus continues to circulate in unvaccinated people and in those whose immunity has started to wane. 

A drop in infection rates among children is the main driver of the downward tread, the researchers said. One in 34 people aged 10 to 19 were infected last week, while the rate is one in 52 for children aged nine and under. Infections are levelling off in all other groups apart from those aged 55 to 75, which the experts said is a 'cause for concern' — but rates are still below the national average in the group

Researchers believe that the main reason for the decline in infection rates is the drop in children’s rates. One in 34 children aged 10 to 19 were infected in the week ending September 13, while it was one in 52 for children nine years and younger. Infections are levelling off in all other groups apart from those aged 55 to 75, which the experts said is a ’cause for concern’ — but rates are still below the national average in the group

Across the UK, one in 53 people have symptomatic Covid, while the figure is higher in England (one in 52) and Wales (one in 42), while it is less in Scotland (one in 81). The researchers said there were not enough respondents in Northern Ireland to generate a reliable estimate. Within the UK, infection rates are highest in West Midlands (one in 45), South West (one in 45) and North East (one in 46)

One in 53 people in the UK have symptomatic Covid. This figure is higher in England (one of 52) and Wales (1 of 42), but it is lower in Scotland (one out 81). Researchers said that there weren’t enough respondents in Northern Ireland for a reliable estimate. The UK’s highest infection rates are found in the West Midlands (one-in-45), South West (one-in 45), and North East (one-in 46).

Across the UK, one in 53 people had symptomatic Covid last week, while the figure is higher in England (one in 52) and Wales (one in 42), while it is less in Scotland (one in 81), according to the Covid Symptom Study. Within the UK,infection rates are highest in Midlands, South East and North East

According to the Covid Syndrome Study, one in 53 UK citizens had symptomatic Covid last Week. The figure is higher for England (one-in-52) and Wales (one-in-42), while it’s lower for Scotland (one out 81). Infection rates in the UK are highest in the Midlands, South East, and North East.

The surveillance study predicted an average of 1,489 people a day who had Covid in the last week will go on to experience symptoms for longer than 12 weeks

The surveillance study predicted that an average of 1,489 people per day who had Covid within the last week would continue to experience symptoms for more than 12 weeks.

“That’s why people need to get vaccinated. If invited, get their booster shot.

Professor Paul Hunter, an infectious diseases expert at the University of East Anglia said that the suggestion that Covid cases may have peaked in 2021 is likely correct.

Covid cases reached record highs in October due to outbreaks in schoolchildren, according to a mass surveillance study. 

Yesterday’s mass testing revealed that Covid was found in more people in England than any other month this year.

REACT-1 data — taken from one of the largest surveillance projects in England — show around 1.72 per cent of people (one in 58) across the country had the virus on any given day in October.

It was 0.83 percent higher than the previous month, and the highest point at any point in the study.

However, the Imperial College London researchers didn’t collect data at the peak of the second wave towards December and January.

Experts warned that the figures, which are based on random testing of thousands of people, indicate that the pandemic is not over and continues to pose a serious threat.

Children aged 5-17 years old were infected the fastest. Nearly six percent of them were infected at one time during the month. People 65 and older were twice as infected.

In eight of nine areas, outbreaks were reported. The highest rates were found in the South West, where there was a quadruple increase in prevalence.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive at the UK Health Security Agency stated: “Although deaths and hospitalizations are down from previous highs, these findings serve as a strong reminder that the pandemic remains serious and a threat to our health and well-being.

“These new data strongly reinforce the need for all age groups to be vaccinated.

“This is especially important for older people, whose immunity may be waning due to the fact that it has been several months since they received their jabs.

“I urge everyone who is eligible to receive a third dose or booster shot to get in touch immediately.”  

Sage reported that most models of Covid suggested that the epidemic would peak in October/early Novemeber and then decrease towards the end.

“One of the uncertainties surrounding the daily reported cases is whether the half term holiday could have caused an apparent fall because of reduced testing for children who were not attending school.

“This may have contributed to some fall, but it couldn’t account for all as case number started to decline the weekend prior to the holiday. So far, we haven’t seen a rebound since schools are back this Week, though we should wait a few more days to be certain.

Data from the gold-standard Office for National Statistics infection survey — which is closely watched by ministers but lags behind ZOE — estimated one in 50 people were infected in the seven days up to October 22, marking a 13 per cent rise in a week. 

The next update is due Friday. 

It comes after Department of Health bosses posted 41,299 positive coronavirus tests yesterday , down six per cent on last Wednesday’s figure of 43,941. Cases have fallen week-on-week every day for eleven days barring Monday — a blip that was down to Wales not publishing any infection numbers the previous week. 

The latest data available shows that hospitalisations were flat on Saturday. There were 888 cases of the virus in the hospital, which is a drop of 0.7% compared to the week prior.

However, deaths continue to rise, rising by 4.8 percent to 217 last week. Due to the long time it can take for severely ill patients to develop, changes in fatality levels often lag behind cases by several weeks.

These figures are the result of Professor Jonathan Van-Tam’s warning yesterday to Britons that another Christmas lockdown could be in the offing if people think the pandemic is over.

The deputy chief medical officer of England said that there were still ‘hard months ahead’ and that the country’s infection rate was “running hot” as it heads into what is expected be a difficult winter for the NHS. He said, in one of his most famous analogies: “The final whistle on Covid still hasn’t blown yet.”

Professor Van-Tam urged the nation to behave responsibly and emphasised the importance of face masks — but did not outright call for their enforced return in public spaces.

But Whitehall insiders claimed today that NHS workers will not be forced to get a Covid jab this winter to keep their job — a policy that would have been part of efforts to control rising infections.

Ministers will announce compulsory jabs to hundreds of thousands frontline medics over the next few days, but the actual rule won’t be implemented until April. 

Officials have been deliberating for months about a no jab. no job’ move for NHS staff in a bid for the protection of the health service this winter. Ministers have already made the controversial move for care home workers. They are required to take two doses starting November 11.

Department of Health bosses told MailOnline ‘no final decision’ had been made, with Health Secretary Sajid Javid rumoured to still have reservations about the policy — despite publicly admitting that he was ‘leaning towards’ the mandate.

However, a Whitehall insider familiar with the negotiations claimed that the move was a done deal’ and could now be officially announced.