While the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) continues to track some Covid metrics, such as hospitalisation numbers and vaccination uptake, many community surveillance studies tracking Covid infection levels have ended. Experts have warned that the country is in the dark as to how Covid may play out in the months ahead.
Prof Christina Pagel, professor of operational research at University College London, said a new wave of Covid appeared to be under way possibly driven by waning immunity, new Omicron variants, and factors including poor weather keeping people inside. With the autumn's return to school and work, Covid pressures could increase, Pagel added. "We might see the wave continue to grow, and grow faster, in September."
As well as other public health measures including reintroducing high-quality masks within healthcare settings, Pagel said she would support bringing back the nationwide infection survey published by the Office for National Statistics for the coming autumn and winter, as well as expanding it to cover flu and RSV-respiratory syncytial virus.
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