COVID-19 cases in UK one million again with first rise in England since mid-October
Coronavirus infections across the UK have topped a million again, with cases rising in England for the first time since mid-October, official figures show.
The total number of positive COVID-19 cases rose by 6% in the week to 21 November, up from 972,400 for the previous seven-day period, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) said.
It is the first increase in nationwide coronavirus infections since the week ending 17 October and comes a week after cases dropped below a million for the first time since mid-September.
During the latest wave, the total peaked at just over two million in mid-October.
This is well below the spikes seen earlier in the year, when infections climbed to nearly four million in July and just under five million in March.
Current NHS advice is that people should try to stay at home and avoid contact with others if they have tested positive for COVID or have symptoms.
It also stresses the importance of avoiding people at higher risk of infection, such as those with weakened immune systems, even if they have been vaccinated.
The latest figures come as experts revealed COVID can remain on some ready-to-eat groceries for days, such as fruit.
The number of people testing positive for coronavirus in England in the week to 21 November was 873,200, or around one in 60 people, up from 809,200 the previous week, or one in 65.
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Wales has recorded six consecutive weekly falls, with 39,600 people likely to have COVID-19 in the latest survey, the equivalent of one in 75 people, down from 45,400, or one in 65.
Scotland has seen infections rise to 91,100, or one in 60, up from 83,700, or one in 65, though the ONS said the trend was “uncertain”.
In Northern Ireland the trend is also described as “uncertain”, with an estimated 28,900 people having COVID, or one in 65, compared with 34,100 in the previous week, which was one in 55.
Infection rates in England are highest among 35 to 49-year-olds, with 1.9% likely to had have the virus in the week to November 21 – the equivalent of one in 50.
The ONS said that the proportion testing positive for COVID-19 in England had increased for those in school Year 7 to 11, school Year 12 to aged 24 years, and people aged 35 to 49 years.
In all other age groups the trend was uncertain in the week to 21 November.
The ONS infection survey is the most reliable measure of the prevalence of coronavirus and is based on a sample of swab tests from households across the UK.
There is a slight delay in the reporting of the data due to the time it takes for the survey to be compiled.
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Meanwhile, separate data reveals the recent fall in the number of coronavirus patients in England looks to have stopped.
A total of 4,964 people testing positive for coronavirus were in hospital as of November 30, up 8% on the previous week, NHS England figures show.
Patient numbers had been on a downwards trend for just over a month after peaking at 10,688 on 17 October.
Other figures published by the UK Health Security Agency, show around one in five people aged 75 and over has yet to have a booster dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
Data for vaccinations up to 27 November, indicates an estimated 80.8% of people aged 80 and over have received a booster, along with 81.1% of 75 to 79-year-olds and 78.3% of 70 to 74-year-olds.
Police have appealed for information after a man was charged with murdering two women and raping a third.
Simon Levy has been charged with murdering 53-year-old Carmenza Valencia-Trujillo who died on the Aylesbury Estate, south-east London, on 17 March, the Metropolitan Police said.
In September, Levy, of Beaufoy Road, Tottenham, north London, was charged with murdering 39-year-old Sheryl Wilkins who was found unresponsive in High Road, Tottenham, on 24 August.
He is also accused of grievous bodily harm with intent, non-fatal strangulation and two counts of rape against a third woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, in Haringey, north London, on 21 January, police said.
The 40-year-old will appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday charged with Ms Valencia-Trujillo’s murder.
Sheryl Wilkins was found unresponsive in High Road, Tottenham, on 24 August. Pic: Metropolitan Police
He is also due to appear at the Old Bailey on Wednesday for a plea and trial preparation hearing for the murder of Ms Wilkins.
Detectives believe there may be individuals who have information relevant to this investigation – or who are yet to report incidents which have directly impacted them – and are asking for people to come forward.
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UK
Family of woman killed 56 years ago, in a case of mistaken identity, believe her remains are buried in a garden
A new “national day” to honour victims and survivors of terrorism will be added to the calendar from next year, it has been revealed.
The annual commemoration will fall on 21 August, and will be marked in a different place each year to recognise the widespread impact of terrorism around the country.
It comes after a 12-week public consultation showed 91% supported the plan for a national day, and 84% strongly supported the proposal.
Flowers left in St Ann’s Square, Manchester, to remember the Manchester Arena terror attack. Pic: PA
How the day will look, including a final name and symbol, will be worked out collaboratively between survivors and ministers, according to the Home Office.
But it will “honour and remember victims and survivors of terrorism”, encouraging survivors to access specialist support, spotlighting their stories, and educating the public.
A spokesperson for the Home Office confirmed that it would not be a bank holiday.
Jo Berry, whose father Sir Anthony Berry was killed in the IRA Brighton hotel bombing in 1984, said victims of terrorism would no longer be “a footnote of history”.
Jo Berry, whose father was killed in the Brighton bombing in 1984, with convicted bomber Patrick Magee in 2004. File pic: PA
She said: “What we remember as a nation matters. It sends a signal about what we value.
“For too long, survivors of terror attacks, and those who have been killed in them, have been a footnote of history. Survivors have felt ignored and forgotten.
“That’s why Survivors Against Terror launched a campaign for a new national day of memorial three years ago.”
Read more:
Referrals to UK counter-terrorism programme reach new high
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Travis Frain, who survived the Westminster Bridge attack in 2017, also backed the campaign.
He said: “A national day would provide an opportunity to remember those we have lost, to pay tribute to the bravery and resilience of those who have survived these heinous acts, and for us to look forward to the future to educate the next generation.”
The date was chosen to coincide with the UN International Day of Remembrance and Tribute to the Victims of Terrorism.
Plans have also been announced for a new support hub to help victims in the aftermath of terror attacks.
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