The latest publication from the UK’s Office of National Statistics shows (as at 24th June 2022) that the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase across the UK, likely caused by increases in infections compatible with Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
The rates of infection are as follows:
- England: 1 in 30 people
- Scotland: 1 in 18 people
- Wales: 1 in 30 people
- N. Ireland: 1 in 25 people
| Nation | Estimated percentage of the population that had COVID-19 | Estimated number of people who had COVID-19 | Estimated ratio of people who had COVID-19 |
| England | 3.35% (3.20% to 3.51%) | 1,829,100 (1,745,900 to 1,914,300) | 1 in 30 (1 in 30 to 1 in 30) |
| Northern Ireland | 3.87% (3.16% to 4.67%) | 71,000 (58,000 to 85,700) | 1 in 25 (1 in 30 to 1 in 20) |
| Scotland | 5.47% (4.75% to 6.21%) | 288,200 (250,100 to 327,200) | 1 in 18 (1 in 20 to 1 in 16) |
| Wales | 3.49% (2.84% to 4.18%) | 106,000 (86,400 to 127,100) | 1 in 30 (1 in 35 to 1 in 25) |
In Scotland (18 to 24 June 2022) the estimated percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 in Scotland was 5.47%. It is estimated that 288,200 people in Scotland had COVID-19 at any given time that week.
In recent weeks, the estimated percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased for most age groups in Scotland, but the trend was uncertain for those aged around 75 years and over.
A high percentage of adults in the UK were estimated to have coronavirus (COVID-19) antibodies at or above 179 ng/ml in the week beginning 30 May 2022.
• 97.6% in England
• 97.4% in Wales
• 97.7% in Northern Ireland
• 97.2% in Scotland
Research
Results from a project funded by ONS, led by Sarah Rhodes (University of Manchester), has found rates of self-reported long-COVID were highest in the education sector between April 2020 to January 2022.
Another research project funded by ONS, led by Dr Nazrul Islam (Oxford University), has found the impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic fell hardest on people living in the most deprived areas of the UK on key indicators. The project also found the risk of developing long COVID symptoms was higher among the most deprived (11.1%) compared with the least deprived (8.1%).
Related stories:
- get your vaccine when offered to ensure you are fully protected
- stay at home if you’re unwell with symptoms or have a fever
- open windows when socialising indoors
- wear a face covering in indoor public places and on public transport
- wash your hands to protect yourself
Care for yourself and others to help slow down the spread of the virus and reduce pressure on our health services.