Reported infections are heading up again in the UK, this time associated with Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 variants. These were harmless in South Africa, but oddly deadly in much more vaccinated Portugal. What will happen here?
Reported Covid infections have dropped to their lowest figure in a month, as ONS survey data indicate the Omicron BA.2 wave has peaked in England, albeit at a record high. But NHS 111 data paint a very different picture.
Britain's daily reported Covid infections have now fallen for five days in a row, despite the ONS warning that the virus last week was more prevalent than ever.
UK Covid infections have climbed by a million in a week, ONS data suggest – but deaths remain below average for the time of year, and there are no calls for the return of restrictions.
Covid alarmists are reporting on the situation in Hong Kong, saying it proves them right in the measures they have backed over the past two years. But deaths remain well below UK levels, and infections are dropping fast.
A surge in infections was always to be "expected" following the end of restrictions in England, Sajid Javid has said. Yet infections were rising already, and rose faster in Scotland where restrictions remain.
Infection rates are now higher in the triple vaccinated than the unvaccinated across all age groups, UKHSA data show, corresponding to negative vaccine effectiveness across the board.
The latest data from the ONS shows that prevalence has been falling in London since the end of last month. This is the same time as last year, despite no lockdown being imposed this time.
Current Covid data does not indicate a need for new restrictions, Cabinet minister Steve Barclay has said.
