Daily symptomatic Covid cases have doubled in just over a month, with some 200,000 recorded every day. Cases rose from 101,600 on August 27 to 202,738 on Friday 30 September, according to the ZOE Health study. So should boosters be made mandatory? Vote in our poll.
Figures are predicted to rise further throughout October as the R-value – the average rate of infection – is already at 1.1.
Co-founder of the Covid ZOE app, professor Tim Spector, told The Independent that the UK is already experiencing the next wave of coronavirus.
He warned that the new wave is affecting older people earlier and that as the Omicron variant becomes immune-evasive, there could be “real problems” in the winter.
Mr Spector said: “It’s clear we’re now seeing an autumn wave of COVID-19…We are already at rates last seen in the June wave.
“And with rates on the rise, especially in the vulnerable elderly age groups, the impact on hospitalisations could be higher.”
READ MORE: Over 4.6 MILLION receive Covid booster
He noted that people should be prepared for “a combination of viruses”, encouraging Britons to have a booster vaccine.
He said: “With the increase in colds and rhinovirus [the most common cause of colds], as well as COVID-19, and the likelihood of a major seasonal flu epidemic, it’s especially important to keep vulnerable people properly protected.
“I advise everyone eligible to get the latest autumn COVID-19 booster as well as the flu jab to provide protection from serious illness and hospitalisation, and to avoid poorly ventilated areas without FFP mask protection.
“In addition, maintaining a high-quality diet is important to maintain protection against Covid and flu, especially in the elderly.”
University of Warwick virologist professor Lawrence Young, also warned that the UK is “blind” to the behaviour of new potential variants due to low testing.
He said: “We’ve really taken our eye off the ball with Covid tests. People are going to get various infections over the winter but won’t know what they are because free tests aren’t available – it’s going to be a problem.”
The Covid booster jab is currently being rolled out to some groups including people aged over 50, and those with underlying health conditions.
Vaccinations are being provided by GP surgeries and community pharmacies as well as at health trusts and schools.
More than 4.6 million autumn Covid boosters have been administered so far, according to latest data released on October 3 dating back to September 5.
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NHS director of vaccinations and screening, Steve Russell, said: “The NHS is leaving no stone unturned in its mission to stop the potential ‘twindemic’ this winter, with 4.6 million autumn booster jabs already delivered and the national flu campaign well underway to combat lower than usual levels of immunity to flu due quieter flu seasons over the pandemic.
“The vaccine is still our best protection against this difficult virus and with the number of patients in hospital with Covid-19 on the rise once again, I urge anyone eligible for the autumn booster to book their latest dose without delay through the NHS website or by calling 119, and help protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.”
So what do YOU think? Should boosters be mandatory this winter as Covid cases soar? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.