Just 1 in 14 Covid cases in England among at-risk over-60s - as Indian variant sparks lockdown easing concerns

Only one in 14 new Covid cases in England are among the at-risk 60 and over age group, analysis by NationalWorld shows.

The latest figures also reveal that a third of cases are among children and teenagers, who are still considered to be at very low risk from serious illness.

Figures taken from the UK government coronavirus dashboard show there were 13,292 positive cases across the country between 5 and 11 May.

Of these, only 935 (7%) were among people aged 60 or over.

That figure has fallen from 19% in the same seven days in January.

The highest number of cases was among children aged 10 to 14 (14%) followed by 15 to 19 year olds (11%).

Half of cases were among people aged under 30, rising to more than two-thirds for under-40s.

The NHS says older people are at higher risk of developing serious illness from coronavirus.

While only those aged 70 and over are considered clinically vulnerable, the health body says over-60s are also at higher risk.

People aged 70 and over accounted for fewer than 3% of cases in the latest seven-day period.

The latest NHS England figures show 97% of people aged 60 and over have now had at least one Covid vaccine.

Social distancing and surge testing

Despite low numbers of cases among older age groups, experts have said they remain concerned about possible community transmission from young to old people as lockdown is eased.

A weekly Office for National Statistics Survey has found one in five Brits are no longer social distancing when meeting people outside of their bubble.

Compliance remains far higher in older age groups, with 88% of 50 to 69 year olds and those aged 70 plus saying they always or often maintain social distancing compared to 67% of people aged 16 to 29.

Surge testing and ramped up vaccination is currently underway in areas of the North West of England where the so-called Indian variant is causing concern.

‘Vaccines save lives’

There are now more than 2,000 cases of the variant in the UK, Mr Hancock told MPs on Monday (17 May), adding that early data suggests existing vaccinations are effective against it.

But he warned on Sunday that the strain was “spreading like wildfire” among unvaccinated people.

Speaking on Monday, Mr Hancock said: “To anyone who feels hesitant about getting the vaccine right across the country, just look at what is happening in Bolton Hospital where the majority of people in hospital with coronavirus were eligible for the jab but have chosen not yet to have the jab and have ended up in hospital – some of them in intensive care.

“Vaccines save lives, they protect you, they protect your loved ones and they will help us all get out of this pandemic.”

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