Covid cases jump in UK: What’s triggering it, what to do?

According to the Office for National Statistics, England reported that approximately one in 65 people (857,400 total) had Covid in the week that ended on September 17. Wales also saw an increase in COVID positives, while the trend in Northern Ireland and Scotland was unclear.

The cause of such rising numbers is most likely a combination of factors, such as behavioural and social. As the weather gets colder, more people gather indoors, increasing the likelihood of transmission.
Several new variants have also been observed since then. BS.5, an omicron variant, has its subtype called BQ.1.1. This variant is low in prevalence but expands rapidly every day.


Pressure is already building with the current condition and has led to an increase in demand for healthcare services.
Getting a Covid booster injection is really difficult as those in high danger of Covid and health professionals are only eligible for an autumn vaccination.



While the Department of Health and Social Care has stated that there are no plans to make Covid vaccines available for private purchase, some have speculated that it is a likely future development. People will have to make changes to their habits and avoid physical touch with each other.

Experts, including Dr Susan Hopkins, chief medical adviser at the UK Health Security Agency, have also emphasised the importance of staying at home and avoiding contact with vulnerable people if you are ill.

Faqs

Q1. Is the weather the only factor causing COVID-19?
Behavioural changes, such as dropping the mask, and returning to public places could also be one cause.

Q2. Was there a spike in COVID-19 positives in October?
Yes, England reported a 33% rise. This includes asymptomatic patients as well.