Covid cases FALL after schools reopen despite concerns that the new school term would lead to an autumn surge

Covid infections have plummeted despite fears that the new school term would fuel an autumn surge.

One in 90 people in England had the virus last week, with around 620,100 infected in total, testing by the Office for National Statistics revealed.

This is down 18 per cent from a fortnight earlier, when one in 70 tested positive and estimated total infections stood at 754,000.

The weekly ONS survey, based on random swab testing of 150,000 people, is seen by the Government as the most reliable measure of the epidemic.

Covid infections have plummeted despite fears that the new school term would fuel an autumn surge

In a further boost for hopes that the pandemic may be over, Government scientists said the R rate – the average number infected by someone with the virus – may have dropped below one for the first time since March. R is between 0.8 and 1 in England, meaning the epidemic is shrinking.

ONS study leader Kara Steel said: ‘Infection levels have decreased in England for the first time in several weeks, though rates remain generally high across the UK.

‘It’s encouraging that infection rates have continued to decrease among young adults, possibly reflecting the impact of the vaccination programme.’

Infections are highest in secondary schoolchildren, with around one in 35 testing positive, reflecting the fact that many in this age group are yet to be jabbed. But the ONS report shows cases have decreased or remained flat in every other age group.

Last week Boris Johnson said further restrictions may be required under a ‘Plan B’ this winter after scientists warned the virus could cripple the NHS again.

No10 declined to say when Plan B – including compulsory masks, vaccine passports and working from home – might be introduced.

Infections are highest in secondary schoolchildren, with around one in 35 testing positive, reflecting the fact that many in this age group are yet to be jabbed

But scientists have suggested the NHS would begin to struggle if total hospital cases top 10,000.

The latest data show admissions have fallen by 16 per cent in the past week and there are 7,124 Covid patients in hospital – the lowest level since August. Current English hospitalisations, at 572 a day, are roughly half even the ‘best case scenario’ in Sage models.

Daily infections are currently averaging 36,000, with another 35,623 cases and 180 deaths reported yesterday.

Experts have warned a back-to-school wave is still possible and that England could follow the trajectory of Scotland, where cases recently spiralled to record highs.

Oxford University Professor James Naismith, director of the Rosalind Franklin Institute, said: ‘The very high prevalence in Scotland is a concern – it is roughly double that of England.

‘I very much hope England does not reach the level seen in Scotland.’ He added: ‘Cases remain concentrated in the very young, who are the least likely to suffer illness and end up in hospital.

‘As a result of vaccination, there is no going back to the death rates… we saw early this year.’

n The Competition and Markets Authority launched an investigation yesterday into a second Covid PCR testing company following customer complaints over missing test results.

Dante Labs allegedly failed to deliver tests and/or results on time or at all and had been accused of using unfair terms and conditions, the CMA said. It came a week after the watchdog launched a similar probe into Expert Medicals.