The UK Faces A Fifth Wave Of Coronavirus Infections

In the midst of political scandals, ministerial resignations, and increasing demands for the resignation of prime minister Boris Johnson, the UK faces an old enemy; rising cases of COVID-19.

According to an analysis from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), UK infection rates have risen by over 30%, the highest level since late April. In light of warnings from WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, this increase is likely a result of Omicron sub-variants – BA.4 and BA.5. Such micro-variants are reportedly the most immunity-evasive yet. Perhaps most alarming for UK citizens is the expectancy of rising hospital admissions, which have already increased by 31% (higher than during Omicron’s initial resurgence in March of this year).

NHS guidance currently states that those testing positive for COVID-19 should self-isolate for five days. Yet further regulations may be imposed. According to British epidemiologist Tim Spector—who runs the ZOE Covid Study App—the UK’s coronavirus cases are predicted to peak in an autumn wave.

In a recent statement to health experts, Spector quotes:”… in the autumn it has the potential to go way past our previous wave – with daily symptomatic infections roughly doubling from now and up to one in 10 people infected at any one time. It could be very bad. With over 200,000 new daily infections and cabinet ministers resigning by the minute – many citing Johnson’s response and handling of the pandemic in their resignations – both the eventual outcome of these rising cases, as well as the UK’s political future in general, remains uncertain.