Last week, the number of new coronavirus cases across the UK surged by more than 30%. New data were presented on Friday, and cases were primarily caused by hyperinfectious Omicron mutants. ..
According to data released by the Office for National Statistics, more than 3 million people were infected with COVID-19 in the UK last week, but there was no corresponding surge in hospitalization. The number of deaths from COVID-19 also decreased slightly last week.
"COVID-19 has not disappeared," said Dr. Mary Ramsey of the Department of Health and Security. "It's also wise to cover your face in a crowded, closed space," she said.
The UK abolished almost all coronavirus protection, including mask wearing and social distance, a few months ago, and masks are rarely seen on public transport.
The recent surge in coronavirus cases follows a major street party, concert, and festival to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's reign of Platinum Jubilee. , After an increase of about 40% last month.
British officials said the latest wave of COVID-19 infection was most likely caused by the submutant BA.4 of Omicron. And BA.5. Omicrons tend to cause milder illnesses than previous variants such as alpha and delta, but scientists say that the ability to evade the immune system can make people more susceptible to reinfection, including after vaccination. It warns that it means there is.
"The constant impact of the waves we see causes clinical consequences that should not be underestimated," said Dr. Stephen Griffin, an associate professor of medicine at the University of Leeds. He explained that it can cause any infection. For a long COVID.
Despite widespread immunization throughout the UK, vaccine protection is likely to decline, and Omicron and its variants have evolved to become more infectious. I am. The UK Health and Safety Department said outbreaks in long-term care facilities for the elderly are increasing and hospitalizations in intensive care units over the age of 65 are increasing.
Former Deputy Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Jonathan Vantam In the UK, COVID-19 told the BBC "much closer to seasonal flu" than when it first appeared. Still, he said experts should be wary of the signs that the virus is causing more serious illness.
The Robert Koch Institute in Germany has reported a similar increase in coronavirus, especially among the elderly, children and teens. Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 have skyrocketed in France, and authorities have recently recommended that masks be worn again on public transport.
Globally, the World Health Organization said this week that COVID-19 is on the rise in more than 100 countries around the world. The United Nations Health Agency has warned that mitigated inspection and surveillance measures mean that it may be more difficult to catch new variants before they become more widespread.
