Official data today revealed that over one million people in England were infected in the week prior to half-term. This was revealed by health chiefs who urged students to have their blood tested before they return to class.
Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show 1.1million — around one in 50 — people had the virus on any given day in the week ending October 22.
Since January 9, when infection rates were at 1.13 million, during the worst days of the Covid crisis, they have been lower.
Cases rose 12.8 per cent on last week’s figure of 977,900 — the fifth week in a row infections increased.
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, today asked all secondary school and college students for testing regardless of symptoms to be tested before they return to classes next week.
Ministers hope high case levels can be suppressed by preventing school-age children — who have the highest case rates in the country — mixing while infected.
Despite official Government data showing that cases declined yesterday for the fifth consecutive day, these data are still available.
‘Professor Lockdown’ Neil Ferguson, an epidemiologist who sits on SAGE, said Plan B — which would see the return of face masks and work from home guidance if the NHS becomes overwhelmed — ‘shouldn’t be necessary’ if cases keep dropping.
Experts today said the ONS figures — which are a week behind the official daily count — will not be able to reflect the drop-off for another week.

Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures show 1.1million — around one in 50 — people had the virus on any given day in the week ending October 22

The ONS stated that rates have increased in all age categories except those aged 12-24 and 25-34, where the trend was not clear.

The percentage of people testing positive to Covid is increasing in all regions of England with the exception of north-east England, northwest England, Yorkshire and Humber, where the trend is uncertain
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Professor Paul Hunter (UAE) is an infectious disease expert. He said that the prevalence of infection has increased in the week to date. However, this report only covers the period of October 16-23 so it is too early to determine if the drop in daily reported cases in recent days represents a decline in infections.
‘If the infections are actually falling in line the daily reports on DHSC Dashboard then we would see any impact on the ONS dataset next Friday.
The ONS estimates that around one in forty people in Wales had Covid during the week ending October 22, an increase of one in 45 in the previous week. This is the highest estimate since July 2020.
In Northern Ireland, the latest estimate shows that the current number is approximately one in 75. This is an increase from one in 130 the week prior, but still below the record of one in 40 in August.
The latest estimate for Scotland is one in 75. This is up from one to 90 the week before, but below September’s peak at one in 45. All figures are for private households.
The percentage of people who have tested positive for Covid is increasing in all regions of England. This excludes north-east England, northwest England and Yorkshire and Humber, where the trend is uncertain.
Around one in forty people in south-west England were likely to test positive during the week ending October 22. This was the highest percentage for any region. London was home to the lowest proportion at one in 65.
Jim Naismith is the director of the Rosalind Franklin University Institute. He stated: “The ONS data can be very valuable, they provide the best measure of the infection.
“Proportion has risen to around 1 in 50 people in England since the 22nd of October, from 1 per 55.
“Based on the experience in Scotland, where 1 in 45 was reached some weeks ago, I would expect that the prevalence in England has peaked or close to it.
“I would like to point out that London has a lower prevalence. An increase in the national average could have the potential to raise case numbers.
“If England has peaked then other numbers will begin to fall.” I hope so. 1000 people per day end up in hospital, and 1000 people per week die. We are running very hot.
This release contains some less positive news, even though Scotland has clearly mapped out the route that England will take. After several weeks of declining prevalence, the prevalence rate in Scotland has stabilized and may have slightly increased at 1 in 75. This is something to be closely monitored, as it may indicate that there may be another peak.





The Covid vaccine drive in England for children is moving slower than expected. Updated official dashboard figures have reduced the percentage of children aged 12-15 (purple line), who were previously inoculated from 22% to 19%.

The graph below shows the Covid vaccination rate in England and Scotland for children between 12 and 15. Because children were able to get their vaccines in clinics since the start of the drive, Scotland’s drive is likely to have surged. Children in England were only able get their jabs at centres starting this week.
The ONS reported that rates have increased in all age categories, except for those between 12 and 24 years old and those between 25 and 34 years of age, where the trend was not clear.
The highest percentage of positive tests is still found in school years 7-11, at 9.1 percent.
Ministers are now urging students to be tested before returning to class next week in an effort suppressing cases as the country enters winter months.
Sajid Javid, Health Secretary, said that students should be able to take quick tests to detect Covid infections.
“Vaccines are an important defense in our armoury, along with testing.
“We’ve already seen tens to thousands of people between 12 and 17 book in for their Covid vaccinations over half-term at a local vaccine site to get protection before winter, with more children expected next week to come forward for vaccines.
And Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi said it is vital children carry on testing and getting vaccines in order ‘make sure we can enjoy’ Christmas.
He said: ‘As we start the countdown to Christmas, testing regularly and getting vaccinated is the best thing we can all do to protect education and make sure we can enjoy the best of the season — whether that’s the school nativity or the family gathering over the holidays.
“That’s why i want to encourage every student in secondary school or college take a test before you go back to class next week.
“We have made so much progress in our fight against the virus, and now every test and every shot adds another brick to our wall.
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: ‘We should commend and thank young people for taking these regular tests, which are such a vital part of our defences against Covid, alongside vaccination and other behaviours which help keep us all safe – such as keeping areas well ventilated and keeping a distance from each other, particularly where spaces are crowded.
“Many of you will have home tests so please use them before ordering new ones. Also, make sure to report the results.
“Today I am asking children to help each other and get tested before they return to the classroom. This will allow us to stop the infection in its tracks, keep as many children in school, continue their education, and ensure that their futures are secure.
“I want again to thank all our teachers, and those who work at schools, who are so dedicated to keeping children safe.