COVID-19 Positivity Test Rates In United Kingdom Rises From 4.6 To 7.1 Percent, Signaling Start Of Spring Wave Driven By New KP Variants
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team May 03, 2024 7 months, 1 week, 1 day, 17 hours, 52 minutes ago
COVID-19 News: The United Kingdom is currently witnessing a concerning rise in COVID-19 positivity test rates with a time span of a week, indicating the potential onset of a spring COVID-19 wave fueled by the new SARS-CoV-2 KP variants. The fears of a new wave, has prompted health authorities to emphasize the importance of adherence to safety protocols and also vaccination and boosters despite there is no evidence showing that these protect against the newer variants that are ever more immune evasive.
COVID-19 Positivity Test Rates In United Kingdom Rises From 4.6 To
7.1 Percent, Signaling Start Of Spring Wave Driven By New KP Variants
Positivity Rate Surge
According to data released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the proportion of people testing positive for COVID-19 has increased significantly. In just a week, positivity rates surged from 4.6 percent to 7.1 percent, a sharp uptick that has caught the attention of health experts and policymakers alike.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66337361cf3b5081b14f3040/Weekly_flu_and_COVID-19_surveillance_graphs_w18.pdf
https://ukhsa-dashboard.data.gov.uk/topics/covid-19#testing
The rising COVID-19 positivity test rates in the United Kingdom was also covered in local
COVID-19 News coverages.
https://inews.co.uk/news/politics/surge-covid-cases-prompt-fears-mini-wave-3037684
Age-Specific Trends
The latest figures also shed light on age-specific trends in positivity rates. Individuals aged over 65 exhibited the highest positivity rate at 10.4 percent, underscoring the vulnerability of older demographics to the virus.
Concerns of a Spring Wave
While winter typically sees higher positivity rates, the sudden escalation during the spring season has raised concerns of a potential mini-wave. This unexpected spike necessitates a closer examination of transmission dynamics and public health response strategies.
Hospitalization Trends
In addition to the rise in positivity rates, hospitalizations due to COVID-19 also witnessed a slight increase, climbing from 1.97 to 2.56 per 100,000 individuals over the same one-week period. Although this uptick is notable, it remains substantially lower than the peak of the pandemic, where admissions soared to more than 30 per 100,000.
Health Officials Still Promoting Spring Boosters
Against this backdrop, health authorities are still urging eligible ind
ividuals to prioritize their spring booster shots. Those aged 75 years and above, residents of care homes, and immunosuppressed individuals are particularly encouraged to avail themselves of this additional layer of protection.
Dr Mary Ramsay's Perspective
Dr Mary Ramsay, the director of public health programmes at UKHSA, emphasized the criticality of spring boosters in light of the rising cases and hospitalizations. She underscored that the COVID-19 vaccine remains the most effective tool in safeguarding vulnerable populations as the virus continues to circulate.
To date, data is showing that the current boosters are not really helping with the newer emerging JN.1 variants such as the KP sub-lineages.
Study Shows That New KP Sub-lineages Are Defying Efficacy Of Current Booster Vaccines!
A recent study published on a preprint server has shown that the current boosters that health authorities are promoting literally provide no protection against the newer SARS-CoV-2 KP variants that are starting to become predominant in circulation not only in the United Kingdom but also elsewhere around the world.
https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.04.24.590786v1
In Thailand, where a huge percentage of the population has been fully vaccinated, the newer KP variants are wreaking havoc in the country with some hospitals experiencing the stress last seen during the Delta wave!
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/breaking-covid-19-cases-at-alarming-levels-in-thailand-1672-new-weekly-covid-19-hospitalizations-148-on-ventilators-390-in-icu-9-deaths
Encouraging Proactive Measures
Dr Ramsay also emphasized the importance of proactive measures in curbing transmission. Individuals experiencing symptoms of flu or COVID-19 are advised to stay home, thereby reducing the risk of spreading the virus to others, especially those at higher risk. Additionally, wearing masks in settings with vulnerable individuals can offer an added layer of protection.
Looking Ahead
As the United Kingdom navigates this latest phase of the pandemic, vigilance, vaccination, and adherence to safety protocols remain paramount. Monitoring trends in positivity rates, hospitalizations, and vaccination coverage will be crucial in informing targeted public health interventions and mitigating the impact of potential waves or surges in COVID-19 cases.
Conclusion
The recent surge in COVID-19 positivity rates in the United Kingdom serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic. By prioritizing vaccination, practicing vigilance in symptom management, and adhering to preventive measures, communities can work together to navigate these uncertain times and protect public health.
For the latest
COVID-19 News updates, keep on logging to Thailand Medical News.
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