COVID cases rising, UK in the dark about virus future

The UK is facing a growing problem with COVID-19, as cases continue to rise and many surveillance studies tracking infection levels have ended. This is leaving the country in the dark about how COVID may play out in the months ahead, as experts say a new wave of the virus is under way.

A s autumn approaches, concerns about a new wave of COVID-19 are surfacing. Christina Pagel, a professor of operational research at University College London, said a new wave of COVID-19 appeared to be under way – possibly driven by waning immunity, new variants of Omicron, and factors including poor weather keeping people inside.

With students returning to school and people back at work, there is potential for COVID pressures to intensify in the coming months.

Worrying Trends

Professor Pagel points out the likelihood of the new wave growing and accelerating in September. Such a scenario could trigger a crisis in the healthcare system, particularly if COVID, flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) all converge during winter. The lack of data and surveillance makes it challenging to predict how the situation will unfold.