COVID-19 Cases Surge by Almost Double in Just a Month, Estimates Indicate Daily Infections Approaching 93,000

The number of daily Covid cases has nearly doubled to approximately 93,000 in just a month, according to estimates.

As schools reopen, the cases are expected to continue rising through the autumn.

Data from the ZOE health study indicates that there were 92,965 new daily cases of symptomatic infection on September 1, compared to around 50,000 at the beginning of August.

The study, which analyzes data from millions of users of the ZOE app, estimates that there are currently around 1.15 million people with the virus in the UK, roughly one in 58 people.

The increase in cases coincides with the emergence of a new Covid variant called Pirola (BA.2.86), a spin-off of the Omicron variant. Although only four cases have been officially detected in the UK, fewer tests are now being conducted.

While not yet classified as a “variant of concern,” health experts have cautioned that if it increases the risk of infection, it could lead to a challenging winter.

Last week, officials brought forward the annual flu and Covid vaccination program to protect vulnerable individuals during the winter. Eligible individuals can now book their vaccines a week earlier than originally planned.

Residents in adult care homes and the clinically vulnerable will be the first to receive the vaccine, followed by other groups such as the over-65s and healthcare staff.