Covid-19 prevalence declines at slower rate, study finds

The prevalence of Covid-19 infections in England has fallen since January, but the rate of decline has slowed and cases could increase in some areas, researchers from Imperial College London said on Thursday.

The researchers said the national prevalence was 0.49%, down two-thirds from the 1.57% recorded in January, but added that compared to the February interim results, the estimated prevalence had increased in London. and in the South East, as well as in the East and West Midlands.

“The prevalence … in England continues to decline although the rate of decline has slowed,” Steven Riley, professor of infectious disease dynamics at Imperial College London, told reporters, adding that the prevalence must be lower. for the vaccine deployment to be the best. chance of success.

“There are areas where the prevalence can increase … we really need to reduce the rate of infection.”

The study, known as REACT-1, is one of England’s largest prevalence surveys. More than 165,400 volunteers were tested in England between February 4 and 23 to measure the prevalence of infection in the general population.

The easing of England’s national lockdown is expected to begin on Monday, when schools reopen. Britain has given more than 20 million people a first dose of a coronavirus vaccine.

Health Minister Matt Hancock said the evidence that cases were globally declining was encouraging, but it was important that people always stick to the rules before each step of the “cautious but irreversible roadmap. Out of the lock.

“There is cause for concern that our hard-won progress could slow or even reverse in some areas, so it is important that we remain vigilant,” he said.

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This story was posted from an agency feed with no text editing.