Sales of Covid tests have increased by a third this month, while official estimates of the number of people with the virus have also risen slightly.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said its surveillance showed a slight increase in cases and hospital admissions, including those in intensive care, as of 20 July. Its records show 3.7% of 4,403 respiratory specimens were identified as Covid-19 compared with 3.6% of 4,535 two weeks prior.
Boots also said its sales of tests had increased by 33% between 16 July and 22 July, compared with the previous three weeks.
The Zoe Health Study, which takes its data from people self-reporting, estimates there were 606,602 people with symptomatic Covid on 4 July, and that this has since risen to 789,695 on 28 July.
This is still well below the 1,678,854 peak of 30 December and the 2,993,830 peak on 18 July last year.
Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist for immunisation at the UKHSA, said: “Covid-19 cases and hospital admission rates remain at low levels, though have risen very slightly in the past two weeks. We will continue to monitor these rates closely.
“The NHS will be in contact in autumn 2023 when the seasonal vaccine is available for those who are eligible due to health conditions or age.
“Remember that the virus can cause serious illness, especially for those who are older or immunosuppressed, so we urge everyone who is offered to take up the vaccine when offered.”