New data shows coronavirus infections among over 50’s, who are more at risk of serious illness and death from COVID-19, are surging. New cases rose by 92 percent among those in their 50s last week, 72 percent among people in their 60s and 44 percent among those in their 80s.
It comes after Health Secretary Matt Hancock said the recent rise in infections seen in the UK was “predominantly” among younger people.
But it appears most of the new cases are now among the over-50s.
Yvonne Doyle, medical director at Public Health England, said: “Although younger people continue to make up the greatest share of new cases, we’re now starting to see worrying signs of infections occurring in the elderly, who are at far higher risk of getting seriously ill.
“This is a reminder of the ongoing risk as the virus spreads throughout the UK.
“People should continue to follow social distancing rules, wash their hands regularly and wear a face covering in enclosed spaces.
“You should not mix with others when unwell.”
Infections rates in England are now doubling on a weekly basis, according to research by Imperial College.
The UK reported 3,539 positive coronavirus cases on Friday, up from 2,919 the day before.
The death toll rose by six, bringing the UK’s total to 41,614.
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8.31am update: Michael Gove urges people to stay ‘in tune’ with the rules this weekend
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove urged people to act “in tune with” the rules this weekend ahead of the “rule of six” coming into force or risk increasing the rate of spread of coronavirus.
He told BBC Breakfast: “If people do behave in a way that is not really in line or in tune with the guidelines that have been put out then they are putting other people at risk.
“The reason why the country’s police chiefs have said that they hope people behave with appropriate restraint this weekend is we do not want to see a further acceleration of the spread of the virus.”
8.03 update: Less than 20% of people in England self-isolate fully
Less than 20 percent of people in England fully self-isolate when asked to do so, according to documents released from the Government’s scientific advisory group for emergencies (SAGE).
The minutes, from a meeting on 27 August of the Multidisciplinary Task and Finish Group on Mass Testing, state: “Around 20 percent of those reporting symptoms of COVID-19 in England report fully self-isolating by staying at home.
“Rates of self-isolation from other members of a household is likely to be lower due to physical and other practical constraints.
“These rates may be even lower in those who are asymptomatic who receive a positive result on mass testing, given likely lower perceived risk of being infected.”
