As we approach the end of the second year since the first reported COVID-19 UK case, 346 new deaths and 102,292 new infections were reported in the last 24 hours. In the past 28 days, there have also been 6,615 reported deaths due to COVID – the highest since 16 March 2021 (315 days ago).


First published in January 2022.












  • 346 deaths due to coronavirus have been reported in the last 24 hours.
  • 102,292 new coronavirus infections in 24 hours – the third day in a row these data have risen, and the actual number UK-wide is potentially significantly higher.
  • The total number of coronavirus infections reported across the UK in the last 7 days was 646,796, while in the last 28 days 3,619,353 infections have been reported.
  • 1,831 deaths due to coronavirus have been reported in the last 7 days.
  • The number of deaths in the past week equates on average to around 262 deaths each of the past 7 days. If this was to be the “new normal” for daily deaths caused by Covid-19, then annually this would equate to around 95,474 deaths across the UK.
  • Meanwhile, 6,615 deaths due to Covid-19 have been reported across the UK in the last 28 days the highest number since 17 March 2021.
  • 1,618 Covid-19 hospital admissions occurred on 21 January 2022.
  • 17,201 patients suffering from Covid-19 are currently occupying hospital beds according to the latest dashboard data for the whole of the UK.
  • 575 Covid-19 patients are occupying mechanical ventilation beds – according to the data reported on 25 January 2022.
  • All three of these healthcare measures a continuing concern for our now seriously under-pressure NHS.

SO FAR:

  • 727 days since the first infection due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus was reported in Britain (31 January 2020).
  • 671 days since the first reported death (6 March 2020). Coronavirus has now been responsible for infecting over 16.1 million people in England (according to the official reported positive cases data).
  • In this time, the virus has been responsible for at least 154,702 deaths (within 28 days of a first positive test result). Official data also currently indicate there have been 176,813 deaths in total, where the deceased person’s death certificate mentioned COVID-19 as one of the causes, registered up to Friday 14 January 2022, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
⏳
LONG COVID UK ESTIMATE (ONS, as of 6 January 2021)
🚨 1,300,000 cases
🚨 1 in 51 people currently live with long COVID






General Notes: UK data (including the data noted below) will not necessarily fully reflect the numbers in specific measures. where there are data issues, e.g. delays due to IT issues, or reporting arrangements for the four nations. It is important therefore to note the specific reporting cycles of UK Covid-19 data when looking at how data are presented. Seven-day rolling averages are often used to help ‘smooth’ the various reporting cycles across different nations; nevertheless, care is needed when seeking to gain an accurate picture of the situation at any time. The data for deaths attributed to COVID-19 – each following a reported positive test result for COVID-19 within 28 days of their death.

26 January 2022 – Notes:

  • No update to hospitalisation figures has been received from NHS England. Missing figures will be included in the next update.
  • Because of technical issues, Public Health Wales have been unable to publish vaccination figures. UK figures include updated data from England, Northern Ireland and Scotland.
  • Missing figures will be included in the next update.
  • From 31 January 2022, UKHSA will move all COVID-19 case reporting in England to use a new episode-based definition which includes possible reinfections.

(Source: UK Health Security Agency)






ENGLAND


  • 11 February

If you’re fully vaccinated you will no longer need to take a COVID-19 test either before or after arrival in the UK. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

If you are not fully vaccinated you will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after you arrive in the UK. You will not need to quarantine unless the result of the PCR test is positive. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

  • 27 January

You will not be required to wear a face covering, including in communal areas of schools, but the government suggests you continue to wear one in crowded and indoor spaces where you may come into contact with people you do not normally meet.

You’ll no longer need to show your NHS COVID Pass at venues and events by law.

  • 20 January

Staff and pupils in secondary schools and colleges will not be required to wear a face-covering in classrooms.

  • 19 January

You are no longer asked to work from home if you can. Talk to your employer to agree on arrangements to return to your workplace.

WALES


  • 11 February

If you’re fully vaccinated you will no longer need to take a COVID-19 test either before or after arrival in the UK. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

If you are not fully vaccinated you will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after you arrive in the UK. You will not need to quarantine unless the result of the PCR test is positive. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

  • 28 January

There will be no limits on how many people can meet indoors at pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres. Nightclubs will reopen.

  • 21 January

Sporting events can have crowds, with no limits on how many people can attend outdoor events.

  • 15 January

Up to 500 people can attend outdoor events.

  • 6 January

If you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result, most people will not need to take a PCR test to confirm the result. You must self-isolate immediately if you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result.

SCOTLAND


  • 11 February

If you’re fully vaccinated you will no longer need to take a COVID-19 test either before or after arrival in Scotland. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

If you are not fully vaccinated you will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after you arrive in Scotland. You will not need to quarantine unless the result of the PCR test is positive. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

  • 24 January

There will be no limits on how many households can meet indoors or outdoors. There will be no need for physical distancing between groups at indoor and outdoor venues including bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and gyms. Table service will not be needed.

  • 17 January

Most people will need to have had a booster dose to be recognised as fully vaccinated under the COVID certification scheme.

Restrictions on numbers at outdoor events are lifted. Indoor events remain limited to 100 people standing and 200 people sitting. The COVID certification scheme must be used for both outdoor and indoor events.

  • 6 January

If you are a close contact of someone with COVID–19 and you are fully vaccinated along with your booster dose, you can take daily rapid lateral flow tests for 7 days instead of self-isolating. If you test positive or develop symptoms during this time you should self-isolate for 10 days.

If you test positive for COVID-19 you should self-isolate for 10 days. You can end self-isolation early if you do not have a high temperature and get 2 negative lateral flow test results on days 6 and 7, taken at least 24 hours apart.

If you do not have symptoms and get a positive rapid lateral flow test result, you must self-isolate. You do not need to take a PCR test to confirm your result.

Find out more on gov.scot

  • 27 December

Up to 3 households can meet with 1-metre physical distancing between groups at indoor and outdoor venues like bars, restaurants, theatres, cinemas and gyms. Table service will be needed if alcohol is being served.

NORTHERN IRELAND


  • 11 February

If you’re fully vaccinated you will no longer need to take a COVID-19 test either before or after arrival in the UK. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

If you are not fully vaccinated you will need to take a pre-departure test and a PCR test on or before day 2 after you arrive in the UK. You will not need to quarantine unless the result of the PCR test is positive. You still need to complete a passenger locator form.

  • 26 January

Nightclubs will reopen. You will still need to show your NI domestic certificate.

  • 21 January

Up to 30 people can meet in a private home. Organisers of large indoor gatherings at places like pubs, restaurants, cinemas and theatres need to carry out a risk assessment.

  • 5 January

If you get a positive rapid lateral flow test result, you should isolate immediately. You no longer need to book a PCR test.



UK GOVERNMENT’S LATEST SELF-ISOLATION GUIDANCE
When to end self-isolation if you have had COVID-19 symptoms, have received a positive COVID-19 test result, or if you are a contact.
UKHSA Guidance | PMP


(Source: Gov.uk)







Double vaccinated less likely to report long COVID

Those who have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccination appear less likely to develop long COVID symptoms than those who are unvaccinated when infected.

Receiving a second dose at least two weeks before infection was associated with a 41.1% decrease in the likelihood of self-reported long COVID at least 12 weeks later.

These results come from a sample of UK adults aged 18 to 69 years where comparisons are made between vaccinated and unvaccinated participants with similar socio-demographic characteristics.


Going further...














Coronavirus vaccines may reduce risk of long Covid, ONS study finds
Observational study finds double-jabbed people 41% less likely to report Covid symptoms 12 weeks after a positive test
The GuardianHannah Devlin
Scotland to relax strict work-from-home guidance from Monday
Nicola Sturgeon asks employees to start hybrid working and eases face mask rules after Omicron ebbs
The GuardianSeverin Carrell
Lockdown schooling: Research from across the world shows reasons to be hopeful.
Despite the major challenges lockdown-induced remote learning has presented, teachers, pupils and parents alike have reaped certain benefits. Can school learn from these changes?
PMP Magazine[PMP] Outside Contributors
Boris Johnson: Sue Gray’s report may prove the final straw for angry Conservative MPs.
The investigation into Downing Street parties has no power to bring the Prime Minister down. But it may still provide the ammunition that brings Boris Johnson’s government to an end.
PMP MagazineProfessor Matthew Flinders
Where (and how) you are most likely to catch COVID.
We have quantified how the different influences on transmission change your risk of getting COVID-19. The actual risk will depend on specific parameters.
PMP MagazineProfessor Trish Greenhalgh
Removing all restrictions clearly isn’t guided by the science – Experts.
The views of experts and health professionals on the government reducing the self-isolation period, on whether the pandemic is, at last, coming to an end, and whether it is the right time to stop all COVID restrictions.
PMP MagazinePMP News
Swab both your throat and nose to identify Omicron with lateral flow tests, experts warn
Anecdotal evidence shows that Lateral Flow Tests are more effective at identifying positive cases with both throat and nasal samples
inews.co.ukAmy Walker







■ 🧬 COG-UK sequencing



(Source: COG-UK)

■ 🧬 UKHSA genomically confirmed case numbers



(Source: UK Health Security Agency)







📈 UK COVID-19 data


Data up to 26 January 2022.

(Source: UK Health Security Agency)


■ 🧮 Case & Death Totals
🦠 16,149,319 positive cases so far to date (recorded) – Since the first case was reported at the end of January 2020
🕯️ 154,702 deaths so far – Number recorded within 28 days of first positive test result - since the first reported death on 6 March 2020.
🕯️ 176,813 total deaths – Total number of people whose death certificate mentioned Covid-19 as one of the causes – Registered up to Friday 14 January 2022
🕯️ 44,738 care home residents have had COVID-19 recorded on their death certificate since the pandemic began – ONS data








💉 Vaccination UK








(Source: UK Health Security Agency + Public Health Wales
+ Public Health Scotland + HSC NI + ONS)


Note: Data cross-referenced with the latest official data from the UK dashboard.







■ Estimated ®️ Number

(Sources: UK Health Security Agency + Welsh Government
+ Scottish Government + N-I Ministry of Health)


■ Population Testing Positive for COVID-19

(Source: ONS)


■ Number of contact tracing alerts sent (England & Wales)

(Source: NHS)


■ Stringency Index

(Source: University of Oxford)


PMP Magazine

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📚 Data Sources:


PMP Xtra

Total UK population: 67,081,234 (last year: 66,796,800), via ONS (subject to changes in population over the year). These figures were updated on 25 June 2021.
(Source ▪ ONS)






📈 Full Daily UK #COVID19 Charts & Comments via #TodayInCovid: www.pmp-magazine.com/tag/today-in-covid/

🦠 Everything #COVID19: www.pmp-magazine.com/covid19/

🗃️ Sources: @CovidGenomicsUK | @UKHSA | @ONS

🧮 Special thanks: @JoePajak & #NHS



— AUTHORS —

▫ Dr Joe Pajak, PhD in physical chemistry: exploring the data, governor of an NHS FT hospital.
▫ J.N. PAQUET, Author & Journalist, Editor of PMP Magazine.
GET THEM INVOLVED:


Sources
  • Text: This piece was first published in PMP Magazine on 26 January 2022. | The authors write in a personal capacity.
  • Data cross-referenced with the latest official data from the UK dashboard.
  • Cover: Adobe Stock/SergeyBitos.
  • Icons from www.flaticon.com
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