Infection rates from COVID-19 are at their highest level ever recorded, primarily driven by school-aged children, according to a new study.
The prevalence of infection is 1.72%, according to the REACT-1 study, which has been tracking cases since May 2020 and which looked at infection rates among 67,000 volunteer participants between 19 and 29 October. This compares with a rate of 0.83% in September.
Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT programme from Imperial’s School of Public Health, said: “These very recent data show that infections are still very high, especially in school-aged children. We continue to find that households with children have higher prevalence of infection, indicating that children could be driving up infection rates by spreading the virus to others in their homes.”
Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of UKHSA, said: “Although the number of hospitalisations and deaths remain lower than in previous peaks, these findings are a powerful reminder that the pandemic is far from over and remains a serious threat to health and wellbeing.”
She urged those eligible for a third vaccine dose “to come forward without delay”.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid said: “Today’s report sends an important message that we need to stay vigilant as we head into the winter months. Vaccines continue to be our first line of defence against this disease and it is crucial we all get jabbed to keep the virus at bay. Whether you have yet to receive your first dose, second dose or if you are eligible for your booster jab – the best thing you can do is get vaccinated to protect yourself and those around you.”