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Weekly swab positivity updates - Jan-July 2022

29 July 2022 - weekly update

 The following points are for the week ending 20 July 2022.

 The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) decreased in England, Wales, and Scotland; the trend was uncertain in Northern Ireland.

  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 2,632,200 (95% credible interval: 2,507,500 to 2,757,500), equating to 4.83% of the population, or around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 156,200 (95% credible interval: 125,100 to 190,400), equating to 5.14% of the population, or around 1 in 19 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 113,400 (95% credible interval: 86,600 to 143,900), equating to 6.18% of the population, or around 1 in 16 people.
  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 272,000 (95% credible interval: 223,600 to 324,400), equating to 5.17% of the population, or around 1 in 19 people. 

22 July 2022 - weekly update

The following points are for the week ending 13 July 2022 for England and Wales, and the week ending 14 July 2022 for Northern Ireland and Scotland.

  • The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase in England; trends were uncertain in Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 3,147,700 (95% credible interval: 3,012,300 to 3,290,500), equating to 5.77% of the population, or around 1 in 17 people.
  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 183,200 (95% credible interval: 150,300 to 219,600), equating to 6.03% of the population, or around 1 in 17 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 88,400 (95% credible interval: 63,100 to 117,500), equating to 4.82% of the population, or around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 340,900 (95% credible interval: 284,100 to 402,700), equating to 6.48% of the population, or around 1 in 15 people.

 15 July 2022 - weekly update

The following points are for the week ending 6 July 2022 for England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and 7 July 2022 for Scotland.

  • The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase across the UK.
  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 2,873,600 (95% credible interval: 2,754,900 to 2,991,100), equating to 5.27% of the population, or around 1 in 19 people.
  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 183,500 (95% credible interval: 155,800 to 215,300), equating to 6.04% of the population, or around 1 in 17 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 107,600 (95% credible interval: 86,900 to 129,700), equating to 5.86% of the population, or around 1 in 17 people.
  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 334,000 (95% credible interval: 287,400 to 382,300), equating to 6.34% of the population, or around 1 in 16 people.

8 July 2022 - weekly update

The following points are for the week ending 29 June 2022 for England and Northern Ireland, and the week ending 30 June 2022 for Wales and Scotland.

  • 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.
  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 2,154,000 (95% credible interval: 2,062,600 to 2,247,100), equating to 3.95% of the population, or around 1 in 25 people.
  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 149,700 (95% credible interval: 125,800 to 174,200), equating to 4.93% of the population, or around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 98,400 (95% credible interval: 82,900 to 115,100), equating to 5.36% of the population, or around 1 in 19 people.
  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 312,800 (95% credible interval: 276,100 to 350,400), equating to 5.94% of the population, or around 1 in 17 people.

1 July 2022 - weekly update

 

The following points are for the week ending 24 June 2022:

  • 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.
  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 1,829,100 (95% credible interval: 1,745,900 to 1,914,300), equating to 3.35% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.
  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 106,000 (95% credible interval: 86,400 to 127,100), equating to 3.49% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 71,000 (95% credible interval: 58,000 to 85,700), equating to 3.87% of the population or around 1 in 25 people.
  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 288,200 (95% credible interval: 250,100 to 327,200), equating to 5.47% of the population or around 1 in 18 people.

24 June 2022 - weekly update

In the most recent week (week ending 18 June for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; week ending 17 June for Scotland):

  • There was an increase in the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, likely caused by infections compatible with Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 1,360,600 (95% credible interval: 1,285,600 to 1,438,200), equating to 2.50% of the population or around 1 in 40 people.
  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 68,500 (95% credible interval: 53,300 to 85,900), equating to 2.25% of the population or around 1 in 45 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 59,900 (95% credible interval: 46,900 to 74,400), equating to 3.26% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.
  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 250,700 (95% credible interval: 218,900 to 284,400), equating to 4.76% of the population or around 1 in 20 people.

17 June 2022 - weekly update

In the most recent week (ending 11 June for England, Wales and Northern Ireland; week ending 10 June for Scotland):

  • There was an increase in the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland likely caused by infections compatible with Omicron variants BA.4 and BA.5.
  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 1,131,000 (95% credible interval: 1,066,000 to 1,196,100), equating to 2.07% of the population or around 1 in 50 people.
  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 64,800 (95% credible interval: 49,400 to 83,400), equating to 2.13% of the population or around 1 in 45 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 42,900 (95% credible interval: 32,600 to 54,300), equating to 2.34% of the population or around 1 in 45 people.
  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 176,900 (95% credible interval: 152,900 to 202,200), equating to 3.36% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.

10 June 2022 - weekly update

The following points are for the week ending 2 June 2022.

  • There were early signs of a possible increase in the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) in England and Northern Ireland likely caused by increases in infections compatible with Omicron variants BA.1, BA.4 and BA.5; the trends were uncertain in Wales and Scotland.

  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 797,500 (95% credible interval: 745,900 to 851,700), equating to 1.46% of the population or around 1 in 70 people.

  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 40,500 (95% credible interval: 30,000 to 52,600), equating to 1.33% of the population or around 1 in 75 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 27,700 (95% credible interval: 20,400 to 36,200), equating to 1.51% of the population or around 1 in 65 people.

  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 124,100 (95% credible interval: 104,700 to 144,900), equating to 2.36% of the population or around 1 in 40 people.

1 June 2022 - weekly update

In the week ending 27 May 2022 for England and 28 May 2022 for Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in the week ending 27 May 2022; the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 784,100 (95% credible interval: 735,800 to 832,700), equating to 1.44% of the population or around 1 in 70 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to decrease in the week ending 28 May 2022; the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 39,600 (95% credible interval: 29,400 to 52,000), equating to 1.30% of the population or around 1 in 75 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the trend in the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 was uncertain in the week ending 28 May 2022; the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 24,300 (95% credible interval: 17,300 to 33,200), equating to 1.33% of the population or around 1 in 75 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 28 May 2022; the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 105,900 (95% credible interval: 87,600 to 126,100), equating to 2.01% of the population or around 1 in 50 people.

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, the East of England, the South East and the South West, and the trend was uncertain in the North West, the North East, the West Midlands and London, in the week ending 27 May 2022.

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in all age groups except those aged 2 years to school Year 6, those aged 25 to 34 years and those aged 70 years and over for whom the trend was uncertain, in the week ending 27 May 2022.

27 May 2022 - weekly update

 

In the week ending 21 May 2022:

  • The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and the trend was uncertain in Scotland.

  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 874,400 (95% credible interval: 822,200 to 928,900), equating to 1.60% of the population or around 1 in 60 people.

  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 52,900 (95% credible interval: 40,500 to 66,800), equating to 1.74% of the population or around 1 in 55 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 23,300 (95% credible interval: 16,800 to 31,500), equating to 1.27% of the population or around 1 in 80 people.

  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 135,400 (95% credible interval: 114,400 to 158,300), equating to 2.57% of the population or around 1 in 40 people.

20 May 2022 - weekly update

In the week ending 13 May 2022:

  • The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

  • In England, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 1,037,400 (95% credible interval: 981,800 to 1,091,700), equating to 1.90% of the population or around 1 in 55 people.

  • In Wales, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 80,700 (95% credible interval: 65,700 to 97,800), equating to 2.66% of the population or around 1 in 40 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 29,800 (95% credible interval: 22,400 to 39,000), equating to 1.62% of the population or around 1 in 60 people.

  • In Scotland, the estimated number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 122,200 (95% credible interval: 104,400 to 142,300), equating to 2.32% of the population or around 1 in 45 people.

13 May 2022 - weekly update

In the most recent week, ending 7 May 2022:

  • The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

  • In England, we estimate that the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 1,204,100 (95% credible interval: 1,142,200 to 1,269,800), equating to 2.21% of the population or around 1 in 45 people.

  • In Wales, we estimate that the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 88,300 (95% credible interval: 72,800 to 105,300), equating to 2.91% of the population or around 1 in 35 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, we estimate that the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 33,800 (95% credible interval: 24,600 to 43,900), equating to 1.84% of the population or around 1 in 55 people.

  • In Scotland, we estimate that the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 was 158,200 (95% credible interval: 135,400 to 181,800), equating to 3.01% of the population or around 1 in 35 people.

6 May 2022 - weekly update

  • The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in England, Wales and Scotland, and decreased in Northern Ireland, in the latest week.

  • In England, we estimate that 1,586,900 people had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 1,516,200 to 1,659,000) in the week ending 30 April 2022, equating to 2.91% of the population or around 1 in 35 people.

  • In Wales, we estimate that 131,600 people had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 112,200 to 152,800) in the week ending 30 April 2022, equating to 4.33% of the population or around 1 in 25 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, we estimate that 44,900 people had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 34,800 to 56,300) in the week ending 30 April 2022, equating to 2.45% of the population or around 1 in 40 people.

  • In Scotland, we estimate that 186,700 people had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 161,800 to 214,300) in the week ending 1 May 2022, equating to 3.55% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.

29 April 2022 - weekly update

In the week ending 23 April 2022:

  • The percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in England, Wales and Scotland, and the trend was uncertain in Northern Ireland.

  • In England, we estimate that 2,408,300 people had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,326,300 to 2,494,500), equating to 4.42% of the population or around 1 in 25 people.

  • In Wales, we estimate that 172,300 people had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 151,300 to 194,700), equating to 5.67% of the population or around 1 in 18 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, we estimate that 74,700 people had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 60,500 to 91,700), equating to 4.07% of the population or around 1 in 25 people.

  • In Scotland, we estimate that 218,000 people had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 193,800 to 243,600), equating to 4.14% of the population or around 1 in 25 people.

22 April 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in the week ending 16 April 2022; we estimate that 3,218,700 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 3,120,200 to 3,317,200), equating to 5.90% of the population or around 1 in 17 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 16 April 2022; we estimate that 198,400 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 175,100 to 222,600), equating to 6.53% of the population or around 1 in 15 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to decrease in the week ending 16 April 2022; we estimate that 65,300 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 52,300 to 79,800), equating to 3.56% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to decrease in the week ending 16 April 2022; we estimate that 281,400 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 253,100 to 311,700), equating to 5.35% of the population or around 1 in 19 people.

14 April 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) decreased in the week ending 9 April 2022; we estimate that 3,773,800 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 3,662,100 to 3,888,000), equating to 6.92% of the population or around 1 in 14 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 remained high in the most recent week (up to 9 April 2022); we estimate that 231,900 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 206,200 to 259,800), equating to 7.63% of the population or around 1 in 13 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the trend in the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 9 April 2022; we estimate that 95,900 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 78,800 to 114,000), equating to 5.23% of the population or around 1 in 19 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to decrease in the week ending 9 April 2022; we estimate that 314,800 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 281,400 to 348,700), equating to 5.98% of the population or around 1 in 17 people.

8 April 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) remained high in the week ending 2 April 2022; we estimate that 4,141,600 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 4,033,600 to 4,249,500), equating to 7.60% of the population or around 1 in 13 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 2 April 2022; we estimate that 230,800 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 208,900 to 253,100), equating to 7.59% of the population or around 1 in 13 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the trend in the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 was uncertain in the week ending 2 April 2022; we estimate that 113,900 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 97,100 to 131,500), equating to 6.21% of the population or around 1 in 16 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 3 April 2022; we estimate that 396,800 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 359,800 to 434,200), equating to 7.54% of the population or around 1 in 13 people.

  • In the week ending 3 April 2022, the Omicron BA.2 variant remained the dominant variant across all UK countries; the percentage of people with infections compatible with the Omicron BA.2 variant remained high in England and continued to increase in Wales, however the trend was uncertain in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

1 April 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase in the week ending 26 March 2022; we estimate that 4,122,700 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 4,013,600 to 4,228,300), equating to 7.56% of the population or around 1 in 13 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 26 March 2022; we estimate that 212,000 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 189,800 to 234,800), equating to 6.97% of the population or around 1 in 14 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the trend in the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 was uncertain in the week ending 26 March 2022; we estimate that 123,000 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 105,900 to 141,000), equating to 6.70% of the population or around 1 in 15 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the two weeks up to 26 March 2022, however the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 451,200 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 415,500 to 487,900), equating to 8.57% of the population or around 1 in 12 people.

  • In the week ending 26 March 2022, the percentage of people with infections compatible with the Omicron BA.2 variant increased in England and Wales, however the trend was uncertain in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

25 March 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase in the week ending 19 March 2022; we estimate that 3,485,700 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 3,387,500 to 3,585,800), equating to 6.39% of the population or around 1 in 16 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 19 March 2022; we estimate that 192,900 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 170,900 to 216,800), equating to 6.35% of the population or around 1 in 16 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 19 March 2022; we estimate that 108,700 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 92,500 to 126,000), equating to 5.92% of the population or around 1 in 17 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 20 March 2022; we estimate that 473,800 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 436,100 to 512,500), equating to 9.00% of the population or around 1 in 11 people.

  • In the week ending 20 March 2022, the percentage of people with infections compatible with the Omicron BA.2 variant increased in England, Wales and Scotland and decreased in Northern Ireland.

18 March 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase in the week ending 12 March 2022; we estimate that 2,653,200 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,571,500 to 2,739,700), equating to 4.87% of the population or around 1 in 20 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 12 March 2022; we estimate that 125,400 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 108,100 to 144,900), equating to 4.13% of the population or around 1 in 25 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the two weeks up to 12 March 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 130,600 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 113,100 to 149,100), equating to 7.12% of the population or around 1 in 14 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 12 March 2022; we estimate that 376,300 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 345,400 to 409,900), equating to 7.15% of the population or around 1 in 14 people.

  • In the week ending 12 March 2022, the percentage of infections compatible with the Omicron BA.2 variant increased in England, Wales and Scotland and the trend was uncertain in Northern Ireland; the percentage of infections compatible with the Omicron BA.1 variant decreased in England, Northern Ireland and Scotland and the trend was uncertain in Wales.

11 March 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) increased in the week ending 5 March 2022; we estimate that 2,073,900 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval 1,992,700 to 2,155,900), equating to 3.80% of the population or around 1 in 25 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the week ending 5 March 2022; we estimate that 97,900 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 83,000 to 114,500), equating to 3.22% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the week ending 5 March 2022; we estimate that 143,800 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 124,700 to 163,900), equating to 7.84% of the population or around 1 in 13 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 6 March 2022; we estimate that 299,900 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 270,200 to 332,300), equating to 5.70% of the population or around 1 in 18 people.
  • In the week ending 5 March 2022 (6 March 2022 for Scotland), the percentage of infections compatible with the Omicron BA.2 variant increased in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland; the percentage of infections compatible with the Omicron BA.1 variant decreased in England, Wales and Scotland and the trend was uncertain in Northern Ireland.

4 March 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in the week ending 26 February 2022; we estimate that 1,933,500 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval 1,861,700 to 1,992,300), equating to 3.55% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the two weeks up to 26 February 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 94,200 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 80,000 to 109,700), equating to 3.10% of the population or around 1 in 30 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 26 February 2022; we estimate that 106,300 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 90,700 to 123,700), equating to 5.79% of the population or around 1 in 17 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the week ending 26 February 2022; we estimate that 280,500 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 251,800 to 311,900), equating to 5.33% of the population or around 1 in 19 people.

  • In the week ending the 26 February 2022, the percentage of infections compatible with the Omicron BA.2 variant increased in England, Wales, and Scotland and decreased in Northern Ireland; the percentage of cases compatible with the Omicron BA.1 variant decreased in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland and increased in Scotland over the same period.

25 February 2022 - weekly update

More details on the data to 19/20 February 2022.

23 February 2022 - weekly update

In the week ending 19 February 2022 (20 February 2022 for Scotland):

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in the week ending 19 February 2022; we estimate that 2,096,200 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,015,100 to 2,175,600), equating to around 1 in 25 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the two weeks up to 19 February 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 98,200 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 83,100 to 114,900), equating to around 1 in 30 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the two weeks up to 19 February 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 132,700 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 115,900 to 150,900), equating to around 1 in 14 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the week ending 20 February 2022; we estimate that 240,700 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 215,100 to 269,400), equating to around 1 in 20 people.

  • The percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in all regions of England except the South East where the trend was uncertain in the week ending 19 February 2022.

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 varied across age groups, with the highest for those aged 2 years to school Year 6 at 4.84% (95% confidence interval: 4.23% to 5.50%) and lowest for those aged 70 years and over at 2.08% (95% confidence interval: 1.87% to 2.32%), in the week ending 19 February 2022.

18 February 2022 - weekly update

More details on the data to 12/13 February 2022.

16 February 2022 - interim update

In the week ending 12 February 2022 (13 February 2022 for Scotland):

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) decreased in the week ending 12 February 2022; we estimate that 2,449,100 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,368,200 to 2,532,600), equating to around 1 in 20 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to decrease in the week ending 12 February 2022; we estimate that 112,600 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 96,900 to 129,900), equating to around 1 in 25 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the two weeks up to 12 February 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 146,600 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 129,400 to 164,800), equating to around 1 in 13 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the two weeks up to 13 February 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 219,300 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 194,500 to 244,300), equating to around 1 in 25 people.

  • The percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in all regions except the South West where the trend was uncertain in the week ending 12 February 2022.

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 varied substantially across age groups, with the highest for those aged 2 years to school Year 6 at 7.60% (95% confidence interval: 6.89% to 8.35%) and lowest for those aged 70 years and over at 2.23% (95% confidence interval: 2.03% to 2.45%), in the week ending 12 February 2022.

11 February 2022 - weekly update

More details on the data to 9 February 2022.

9 February 2022 - interim update

In the week ending 5 February 2022:

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) increased in the two weeks up to 5 February 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 2,824,700 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,740,300 to 2,910,300), equating to around 1 in 19 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 5 February 2022; we estimate that 121,200 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 104,000 to 139,900), equating to around 1 in 25 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 5 February 2022; we estimate that 145,600 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 126,800 to 165,200), equating to around 1 in 13 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the week ending 5 February 2022; we estimate that 211,300 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 189,500 to 235,100), equating to around 1 in 25 people.
  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 varied substantially across age groups, with the highest for those aged 2 years to school Year 6 at 11.46% (95% confidence interval: 10.56% to 12.39%) and lowest for those aged 70 years and over at 2.50% (95% confidence interval: 2.28% to 2.72%), in the week ending 5 February 2022.
  • The percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 remained high across all regions of England in the week ending 5 February 2022.

2 February 2022 - weekly update

More details on the data to 29 January 2022

2 February 2022 - interim update

In the week ending 29 January 2022:

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) remained high in the week ending 29 January 2022; we estimate that 2,633,100 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,544,100 to 2,725,100), equating to around 1 in 20 people.

  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the week ending 29 January 2022; we estimate that 139,000 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 119,800 to 159,300), equating to around 1 in 20 people.

  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the week ending 29 January 2022; we estimate that 136,300 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 118,200 to 155,200), equating to around 1 in 15 people.

  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the two weeks up to 29 January 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week; we estimate that 185,100 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 162,100 to 210,800), equating to around 1 in 30 people.

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 varied substantially across age groups, with the highest for those aged 2 to school Year 6 at 13.09% (95% confidence interval: 12.13% to 14.07%) and lowest for those aged 70 and over at 1.97% (95% confidence interval: 1.78% to 2.17%), in the week ending 29 January 2022.

  • The percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 remained high across all regions of England in the week ending 29 January 2022.

28 January 2022 - weekly update

More details on the data to 22 January 2022

26 January 2022 - interim update

In the week ending 22 January 2022:

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to decrease in the week ending 22 January 2022; we estimate that 2,629,400 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,542,500 to 2,716,500), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to decrease in the week ending 22 January 2022; we estimate that 99,500 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 83,300 to 117,100), equating to around 1 in 30 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the trend in the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 was uncertain in the week ending 22 January 2022; we estimate that 96,500 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 81,600 to 112,700), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to decrease in the week ending 22 January 2022; we estimate that 163,600 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 143,600 to 184,500), equating to around 1 in 30 people.
  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase for those aged 2 years to school Year 6 and increased for those in school Year 7 to school Year 11, in the week ending 22 January 2022; the percentage of people testing positive decreased for all other age groups in the most recent week.  
  • COVID-19 infections decreased in all regions in the most recent week except in the South West where the percentage of people testing positive had decreased in the latest two weeks, but the trend was uncertain in the most recent week.
  • Omicron variant compatible infections continue to be dominant across all UK countries.

21 January 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 15 January 2022; we estimate that 2,984,200 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,886,900 to 3,077,300), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 15 January 2022; we estimate that 112,100 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 95,200 to 128,700), equating to around 1 in 25 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the two weeks up to 15 January 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the latest week; we estimate that 104,300 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 89,300 to 120,600), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 15 January 2022; we estimate that 236,600 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 212,000 to 263,100), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • Omicron variant-compatible COVID-19 infections continue to be dominant across all UK countries.

19 January 2022 - interim update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) decreased in the week ending 15 January 2022; we estimate that 2,984,200 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 2,886,900 to 3,077,300), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 15 January 2022; we estimate that 112,100 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 95,200 to 128,700), equating to around 1 in 25 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 increased in the two weeks up to 15 January 2022, but the trend was uncertain in the week ending 15 January 2022; we estimate that 104,300 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 89,300 to 120,600), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 decreased in the week ending 15 January 2022; we estimate that 236,600 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 212,000 to 263,100), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive decreased in all age groups in the most recent week, except those aged 2 years to school Year 6 where the percentage of people testing positive increased in the most recent week.
  • COVID-19 infections decreased in all regions in the most recent week except in the North East and the South West, where the trend was uncertain.
  • Omicron variant compatible infections continue to be dominant across all UK countries.

14 January 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 6 January 2022; we estimate that 3,735,000 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 3,624,800 to 3,848,700), equating to around 1 in 15 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 6 January 2022; we estimate that 169,100 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 148,700 to 190,600), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 6 January 2022; we estimate that 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 83,800 to 116,800), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 7 January 2022; we estimate that 297,400 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 266,600 to 330,000), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland; Delta variant compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across all UK countries.

  • The percentage testing positive for COVID-19 by age is shown below.

12 January 2022 - interim update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase in the week ending 6 January 2022; we estimate that 3,735,000 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 3,624,800 to 3,848,700), equating to around 1 in 15 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 6 January; we estimate that 169,100 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 148,700 to 190,600), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 6 January; we estimate that 99,200 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 83,800 to 116,800), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 7 January; we estimate that 297,400 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 266,600 to 330,000), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive has increased among age groups aged 50 years and over, however, infections remain lowest in those aged 70 years and over; in all other age groups, the percentage of people testing positive has increased over the most recent two weeks, but the trend is uncertain in the most recent week.
  • COVID-19 infections continued to increase across all regions of England except the East of England, and London; the percentage of people testing positive has decreased in London in the most recent week and in the East of England, the trend is uncertain.
  • COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland; Delta variant compatible infections have fallen to very low levels and Omicron is now the dominant variant across all UK countries.

7 January 2022 - weekly update

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 31 December 2021; we estimate that 3,270,800 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 3,163,500 to 3,377,500), equating to around 1 in 15 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 31 December 2021; we estimate that 157,900 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 138,900 to 179,600), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 31 December 2021; we estimate that 72,900 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 56,800 to 90,100), equating to around 1 in 25 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase in the week ending 31 December 2021; we estimate that 238,000 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 209,300 to 268,000), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In the week ending 31 December 2021, COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase rapidly across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and Omicron is now the most common variant across all UK countries.

  • The percentage testing positive for COVID-19 by age is shown below.

5 January 2022 - interim update

In the week ending 31 December 2021:

  • In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to increase; we estimate that 3,270,800 people in England had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 3,163,500 to 3,377,500), equating to around 1 in 15 people.
  • In Wales, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase; we estimate that 157,900 people in Wales had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 138,900 to 179,600), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In Northern Ireland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase; we estimate that 72,900 people in Northern Ireland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 56,800 to 90,100), equating to around 1 in 25 people.
  • In Scotland, the percentage of people testing positive for COVID-19 continued to increase; we estimate that 238,000 people in Scotland had COVID-19 (95% credible interval: 209,300 to 268,000), equating to around 1 in 20 people.
  • In England, COVID-19 infections continued to increase across all age groups and were highest among those in school Year 12 to age 24 years.
    • In the last few days of 2021, the trend in the percentage testing positive was uncertain for those in London who are secondary school ages and those aged 25 to 49 years, which may mean that infections are no longer increasing among these ages in London, but it is currently too early to suggest if this is a continuing change in trend.
  • COVID-19 infections continued to increase across all regions of England, with the highest percentage testing positive in London (1 in 10) and the lowest in the South West of England (1 in 30); there were some early signs in the last few days of 2021 that infections may no longer be increasing in London, but it is currently too early to suggest if this is a continuing change in trend.
  • COVID-19 infections compatible with the Omicron variant continued to increase rapidly across England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, and Omicron is now the most common variant across all UK countries.
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