Covid infections show signs of 'slowing down' with cases 'to decline within two weeks'

17 June 2021, 15:45 | Updated: 17 June 2021, 15:59

The slow down in infection rates comes after it was announced Freedom Day would be delayed.
The slow down in infection rates comes after it was announced Freedom Day would be delayed. Picture: PA

By Emma Soteriou

The rate of Covid-19 infections is "slowing down" while cases could begin to drop within two weeks, the latest data from the ZOE Covid study has shown.

Figures showed that the UK has a total of 15,760 new daily symptomatic cases per day.

However, only a small proportion of those vaccinated still got infected in the last week, with reports from 329 contributors with two doses saying they were infected.

The number of contributors who reported an infection after one dose was 214.

As for those unvaccinated, the risk of contracting the virus is currently 1 in 2,093.

The data comes from the ZOE Covid study app, which has been downloaded by millions of contributors around the world who give daily reports which provide data on the virus.

Professor Tim Spector OBE, who is the lead scientist on the app, said: "The numbers this week seem to be slowing down, which is good news.

"Worrying areas with a high number of cases like Scotland, and the North West are starting to level off.

Read more: Covid cases rise 'exponentially' across England but vaccines work - study

Read more: 'Freedom Day' officially delayed as MPs approve extension of Covid measures

PM 'confident' lockdown lifting delay won't be longer than four weeks

"Wales in particular has seen tangible benefits from a faster than average vaccination rate, where they previously had some of the highest rates in the country, we are now seeing clear protection against rises.

"Wales is now several weeks ahead of the rest of the UK in terms of vaccinations, so it looks like the rest of us will soon follow suit.

"I'm predicting based on past experience, that although we may not have reached the peak quite yet, within two weeks we will see cases beginning to drop again."

This comes after the government announced plans to delay the easing of restrictions in England until 19 July.

Despite the latest findings, Professor Spector agreed that it was the right decision.

"Boris Johnson’s decision this week to delay the lifting of all restrictions in the UK, was a difficult but probably necessary one," he said.

Read more: Japan eases coronavirus restrictions ahead of Tokyo Olympics

Read more: Coronavirus: 50 percent increase in children needing foster care

Covid: 'The UK is on course to exceed PM's double-vaccination target'

"It's good to see decisions being made from the data, not dates.

"Life is better than it was, where we can go out and see friends and family, so having a few more weeks will give us the time and space to get more people vaccinated.

"We have already seen that being fully vaccinated dramatically reduces both the likelihood of contracting the virus, as well as severity of symptoms, so it's crucial that everyone eligible for the vaccine gets the first or second jab as soon as possible."

People aged 21 and over are currently able to book their jabs in England and 18 to 20-year-olds will be eligible from Friday.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Proud Boys claim they will go to voting places as Trump repeats election fraud lies.

Proud Boys making plans to mobilise as Trump repeats election fraud lies

File photo of a real NHS dentist

Desperate Brits fall for scam 'fake NHS dentists' amid years-long waits for appointments

The Kremlin is suspected of plotting the attack

'Parcel bombs' that blew up in warehouse were 'rehearsal' for Russian explosion attack on flight to US

Keir Starmer is not set to ban smoking in pub gardens, contrary to earlier reports

Cigarettes will not be banned in pub gardens under new Labour plan create 'smoke-free generation'

Former President Donald Trump speaks at a campaign rally in Reading, Pennsylvania

Trump threatens Mexico with 100% tariffs unless it cracks down on border crossings

Bridget Phillipson told Tonight with Andrew Marr that the fee hike was necessary to secure the future of universities.

‘Universities must reform’ says education secretary after first hike in tuition fees in 8 years

Two more cases of a new strain of mpox have been detected in the UK, officials say

Two more cases of new mpox strain detected in UK

Anya Taylor-Joy and her musician husband were the victims of a terrifying robbery

Anya Taylor-Joy and musician husband victims of burglary at London mansion

Exclusive
Nigel Farage speaking to LBC's Nick Ferrari about new Tory leader Kemi Badenoch

'The Remainers are back in town': Nigel Farage says Kemi Badenoch will bring 'no change whatsoever' to Tories

Amy Dowden

Strictly Come Dancing star Amy Dowden will not return to show this year following 'medical emergency'

Scott Paterson murdered his landlady Annette Smith

Tenant murdered and dismembered elderly landlady before posing as her by sending Christmas cards to family

Robert Jenrick, Priti Patel and Mel Stride will all serve in Kemi Badenoch's Shadow Cabinet

Kemi Badenoch names former leadership rivals Robert Jenrick and Priti Patel to Tory Shadow Cabinet team

Bridget Phillipson has confirmed the tuition fee rise

University tuition fees to rise for first time in eight years, as Tories accuse Labour of 'declaring war on students'

Sara Sharif had suffered dozens of injuries in the weeks leading up to her death, a court has heard

Video of Sara Sharif smiling and dancing 'days before murder' shown to court

Transport for London (TfL) has warned passengers that no Tube services are expected on Thursday 7 November

November Tube strikes to bring London to a halt this week despite RMT calling off action

Stuart Gogg during the Six Nations rugby match between France and Scotland in Saint-Denis, 26 February 2023

Former Scotland rugby captain pleads guilty to domestic abuse over five-year period against former partner