Coronavirus could be 'behind us by Spring' predicts professor

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The figure is the highest number of new infections reported since the beginning of the pandemic. A further 137 deaths were recorded; a slight increase on daily numbers in the previous seven days. 

The figure demonstrates the rapid spread of the Omicron variant, which was first detected in the UK in early December.

The Office for National Statistics said an estimated 1.7m people had coronavirus across the UK last week, excluding those in hospitals and care settings.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will not hesitate to impose new rules if necessary, but he is coming under intense pressure from his own MPs not to impose harsher measures.

England has not imposed any new restrictions as of Boxing Day, whereas Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have all brought in new rules for hospitality.

READ MORE: Boris Johnson poised for ‘D-Day’ Covid meeting TOMORROW

See the latest Covid vaccine stats below and visit InYourArea for all the Covid vaccine latest

Which areas have the worst infection rate?

It’s currently estimated that one in 35 people across the UK have coronavirus right now.

Infections are highest in London, where an estimated one in 20 people currently have the virus.

The following areas have the highest infection rate, per 100,000 people:

Lambeth – 3,151.2
Wandsworth – 3,042.1
Hackney and City of London – 2,725.1
Southwark – 2,654.2
Islington – 2,486.8
Hammersmith and Fulham – 2,458.3
Lewisham – 2,313.7
Tower Hamlets – 2,149.6
Merton – 2,056.6
Greenwich – 1,929.9

DON’T MISS
Omicron: Unvaccinated 60 times more likely to end up in hospital [INSIGHT]
January school closures: Will schools reopen after the new year? [ANALYSIS]
Covid rules may be imposed before New Year’s Eve and last THREE MONTHS [REPORT]

Richmond-upon-Thames – 1,883.5
Camden – 1,862.9
Kensington and Chelsea – 1,809.8
Waltham Forest – 1,808
Bromley – 1,806.1
Brentwood – 1,769.8
Westminster – 1,763.2
Elmbridge – 1,736.7
Sutton – 1,715.9
Croydon – 1,701.1

In more positive news, the number of people getting vaccinated for the first time surged considerably in the run-up to Christmas, according to Government figures.

Over 221,000 first jabs were given in England in the week ending December 21 – a shocking 46 percent rise from the previous week.

The largest increase was seen among younger generations, with data showing considerably more coming forward for their first jab.

In those aged 18 to 24, there was an 81 percent increase in first doses, followed by 25 to 30-year-olds, where there was a 71 percent rise.

Source: Read Full Article