UK Covid infections up by one million a week

Covid cases have been increasing by a million a week in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics. Tampon tests show that about 1 in 16 people become infected as the infectious version of Omicron BA.2 continues to spread.

That's just under 4.3 million people, up from 3.3 million last week. Figures for the week ending March 19 are believed to reflect what is happening with the virus in society accurately. A new record as one in 11 Scots contracted the virus last week. Prices rose in England and Wales, and Scotland hit new highs.In Northern Ireland, however, infections are starting to fall.

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The high number of infections means the UK can expect an increase in Covid hospitalizations, although a vaccine still helps stop very severe cases, experts say.

According to the latest figures, as of March 24, there were 17,440 patients hospitalized due to the virus. About half were admitted for something other than Covid but tested positive. More than 300 need intensive care beds with ventilators to help them breathe.

Britain's chief medical officer, Sir Whitty, said earlier this week that while the virus was suppressing the NHS, the high transmission rate had not led to many cases and deaths in intensive care.

Staff absenteeism from NHS hospitals in the UK due to Covid rose 31% on March 13.

Around 23,127 staff in hospital trusts in the UK - 2% of the total workforce - were absent either because they contracted the virus or self-isolated.