- Covid cases among hospital patients in the UK have risen by almost a third in a fortnight, sparking concerns of a new wave.
- The positivity rate for respiratory symptoms in hospitals increased from 5.8 per cent on 26 July to 7.6 per cent on 10 August.
- Virologists warn that this rise reinforces the virus's continued circulation and potential for spread, especially with people returning to work and school, and cooler weather.
- Experts acknowledge the difficulty in accurately assessing community infection rates due to reduced testing, though further increases are expected.
- The government's autumn Covid vaccine programme will offer booster jabs to 13 million fewer people, excluding those aged 65-74, pregnant women, and individuals with certain chronic conditions.
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