Based on a representative sample of the population, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) calculates that out of a total population of 67 million, 4.26 million people last week had COVID-19, nearly 4.3 million in the first week of 2022, When the highest weekly number was recorded since the beginning of the pandemic.
The agency attributed this data to the transmissibility of the micron variant BA.2.
It was estimated that one in 16 people contracted coronavirus in England and Wales, one in 17 in Northern Ireland, and one in 11 in Scotland.
The UK is among the European countries that, in the opinion of the World Health Organization (WHO), lifted restrictions “quite abruptly”.
According to epidemiologists, one of the reasons for this outbreak is the current predominance of the BA.2 variant, which is 30% more contagious, but no more dangerous than its predecessor BA.1.
In England, masks are no longer mandatory since the end of January, and positive people are not legally required to quarantine. The government also recently eliminated the requirement for travelers to submit a test and provide contact details.
Other British countries, such as Scotland, continue to enforce the use of masks indoors, but Wales plans to phase them out on Monday.
Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.