The latest data from the Office for National Statistics shows that Covid infection numbers are rising again.<\/p>\n
ONS figures suggest that 1 in 25 people in the UK are currently infected. In Scotland, the figure could be as low as 1 in 18 people. <\/p>\n
Data indicates that a sub-variant of Omicron, known as BA.2, is now the dominant variant. Experts believe that the increased transmissibility of the sub-variant, combined with greater freedom and increased social mixing have driven a rise in cases. Waning immunity among people who had their vaccines or booster doses a long time ago could also be contributing to higher infection numbers. <\/p>\n
The health secretary, Sajid Javid, said that there were \u201cno concerns at all\u201d about the sub-variant of Omicron but stressed that the government is monitoring data continuously and will act if other variants or potentially dangerous sub-variants emerge. <\/p>\n
Despite the increase in cases in some areas, Mr Javid explained, overall numbers are relatively low and the number of people being admitted to hospital for treatment for Covid-19 is well below the figure during the peak of the pandemic. <\/p>\n
The most recent ONS data showed that case numbers are rising in every nation. In Northern Ireland, 1 in 13 people would have tested positive during the week ending March 5th. The number of infections is also rising in older age groups. Almost 3% of over 70s would have tested positive, which is the highest rate since the middle of January. <\/p>\n