The ONS estimates almost half a million people had Covid-19 in England’s community at any point in the week to October 16 – a sharp rise on the week before

Coronavirus infections have soared again as experts estimate 1 in 130 people in England had the virus in a single week.

The Office for National Statistics estimates between 407,500 and 459,300 people in the community had the virus at any point in the week to October 16.

That is up from between 312,000 and 362,000 people the previous week.

When it comes to new cases, today’s figures estimate there were around 35,200 new cases per day in England’s community (29,800 to 46,600) in the week to October 16. 

“There has been growth in COVID-19 infection rates in all age groups over the past two weeks including those aged over 70 years, with the current rates highest in older teenagers and young adults,” the ONS said.

“The highest COVID-19 infection rates continue to be seen in the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, and the North East.”