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LONDON, UK – Health officials are urging renewed caution as the United Kingdom experiences a noticeable increase in COVID-19 cases, potentially signalling the beginning of a new wave. Data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) highlights a concerning trend in recent weeks.
In the week ending Sunday, April 6th, 2025, the number of hospital patients testing positive for COVID-19 in England saw a 7 per cent increase. Alongside this, the ‘positivity rate’ – the proportion of patients testing positive – climbed from 4.2 per cent to 4.5 per cent.
This figure is more than double the 2.2 per cent positivity rate recorded in early January 2025, which marked the lowest level of COVID-19 circulation in over two years. While the current rate remains significantly lower, approximately a quarter of the levels seen last summer, experts warn against complacency regarding this steady upward trend.
Dr. Wylie, a medical expert commenting on the situation, sought to ease fears of a return to a “pandemic-level crisis like in 2020.” However, he issued a specific alert for those most vulnerable to severe illness, particularly individuals who have not received a recent booster vaccination or haven’t had a recent infection.
“Seasonal changes and increased indoor social mixing can contribute to the spread, much like we see with other respiratory viruses,” Dr. Wylie explained. He noted that common symptoms currently include “a sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, and sometimes a fever or loss of taste or smell,” although the loss of taste or smell is now less frequent.
The warning coincides with the ongoing spring vaccination programme. UKHSA data underscores the importance of boosters, finding that individuals who received a COVID-19 vaccine dose were over 40 per cent less likely to be admitted to hospital with the virus for up to two months post-vaccination compared to unvaccinated individuals.
NHS Scotland is actively contacting eligible individuals for the spring booster. Those who opted for digital communication will receive texts or emails, while others will receive letters inviting them to book or attend an appointment.
Eligibility for the spring booster focuses on those at highest risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including:
- Individuals aged 75 years and over by June 30, 2025.
- Residents in care homes for older adults.
- Anyone aged six months or over by March 31, 2025, who has a weakened immune system.
Conditions that may indicate a weakened immune system include blood cancers (like leukaemia or lymphoma), ongoing treatments that suppress immunity (such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, steroid medicine, or biological therapy), organ or bone marrow transplants, conditions causing a very high risk of infection, or diseases affecting the immune system like HIV.
Public health officials continue to monitor the situation closely and advise eligible individuals to take up the offer of a spring booster to maintain protection.
Disclaimer: This news article is based on information provided regarding recent COVID-19 trends and public health advice in the UK as of early April 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult with healthcare professionals or official health authorities like the NHS or UKHSA for the most current guidance and personal health recommendations.
