Since the beginning of January, the number of people affected by COVID-19 in England has more than doubled, prompting health experts to issue new warnings as infection rates climb once again.

According to the latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the positivity rate—representing the percentage of people who test positive among those tested—has risen from 2.2% at the start of the year to 4.5% by the week ending Sunday, April 6. In just that one week, the number of people testing positive for coronavirus in England increased by 7%.

Experts are pointing to seasonal factors as one of the driving forces behind the uptick in cases. As Dr. Wylie from UKHSA explained, “Seasonal changes and increased indoor social mixing can contribute to the spread, much like we see with other respiratory viruses.”

She also outlined the typical symptoms now being reported, which include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, and occasionally fever or a loss of taste or smell—though the latter is now less common than in earlier phases of the pandemic.

Encouragingly, vaccination continues to offer a strong defense. According to UKHSA data, people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine are more than 40% less likely to be hospitalized with the virus compared to those who remain unvaccinated. This protective effect remains especially critical for vulnerable populations.

To support at-risk groups, the NHS is rolling out its spring booster campaign, which began on April 1 and will continue through June 17. Approximately 7.5 million people in England are eligible to receive the spring booster dose. This includes individuals aged 75 and older, those with weakened immune systems, and people living in care homes.