✕CloseMatt Hancock wanted to ‘frighten the pants’ off public with new Covid strain, leak shows
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The final official estimates of Covid-19 in the UK show infections in England have climbed to their highest level since the start of the year, figures released late last week show.
The trend in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland is uncertain, though there are signs the virus is continuing to become more prevalent.
It is the last time that regular estimates of coronavirus are being published, as the long-running infection survey – dubbed the “envy of the world” for its success in tracking the virus – has been halted.
Any further monitoring of Covid-19 will be announced after a review to ensure it is “cost effective”, according to the UK Health Security Agency.
An estimated 1.5 million people in England were likely to have had coronavirus in the week ending March 13, up from 1.3 million in the previous week, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
It is the highest total for England since the week to January 3, when the total stood at 2.2 million.
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Covid victims’ families react to Boris Johnson’s Partygate probe: ‘I missed mother’s last moments’
Having missed her last moments due to Covid restrictions, Mick Yates stood two metres apart from his brothers as his mother’s coffin was lowered into her grave on 26 June 2020.
A week before, Boris Johnson had been photographed in a room full of at least 30 people celebrating his birthday at a time of strict lockdown rules.
Throughout the pandemic, countless people were in Mr Yates’ position, unable to be with loved ones when they died, and banned from hugging family and friends at funerals – if they were even able to attend.
Meanwhile, the then-prime minister attended gatherings at Downing Street, flouting the very rules he was supposed to be enforcing as part of attempts to curb the virus’ spread and reduce pressure on the NHS.
Tara Cobham reports:
Covid victims’ families react to Boris Johnson Partygate probe
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Maryam Zakir-Hussain27 March 2023 12:051679911225
Official Covid infection stats axed as cases reach highest level this year
In case you missed it…
Experts have criticised the government’s decision to axe the Covid ONS survey, which provides official estimates of UK infections.
It comes as Covid-19 cases in England have climbed to their highest level since the start of the year, as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published its final report on the infection on Friday.
An estimated 1.7 million people in private households in the UK are likely to have had coronavirus in the week to 13 March, compared with 1.5 million in the previous week.
Official Covid infection stats axed as cases reach highest level this year
An estimated 1.7 million people in the UK are likely to have had coronavirus in the week to 13 March
Maryam Zakir-Hussain27 March 2023 11:001679907658
ICYMI: Brexit damage to economy same 'magnitude' as Covid, says OBR chairman
✕Brexit damage to economy same 'magnitude' as Covid, says OBR chairmanJoe Middleton27 March 2023 10:001679904918
Official Covid infection stats axed as cases reach highest level this year
Experts have criticised the government’s decision to axe the Covid ONS survey, which provides official estimates of UK infections.
It comes as Covid-19 cases in England have climbed to their highest level since the start of the year, as the Office for National Statistics (ONS) published its final report on the infection on Friday.
Official Covid infection stats axed as cases reach highest level this year
An estimated 1.7 million people in the UK are likely to have had coronavirus in the week to 13 March
Joe Middleton27 March 2023 09:151679904051
Covid: 10 most common symptoms to watch out for as UK cases rise
More than three years have passed since Covid-19 first reared its head and yet the virus still poses a risk to the UK.
Health authorities are yet to declare the virus endemic – which would mean it is officially recognised as having a constant presence in the country.
And though infection rates are nowhere near as high as when social distancing measures were enforced, cases are continuing to rise in some areas.
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Virus still poses risks to UK, NHS England warns
Joe Middleton27 March 2023 09:00✕
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