This is an edited transcript of Professor Chris Whitty’s remarks at today’s Downing Street press conference
The existing situation is almost entirely Delta. In terms of numbers of cases, it is broadly flat. In younger children, there is quite significant transmission at this point in time, and rates are increasing in many parts of the country. At the other end of the spectrum, as a result of the booster programme almost certainly, rates are beginning to drift downwards in people over 60 and particularly people above 70. So we’re seeing an improvement in the group who are most vulnerable.
The numbers going to hospital are gradually decreasing. This is not a sudden drop. This is a gradual drifting down. But if the numbers overall remain roughly as they are, we should hope that this should continue to be the case as the booster campaign continues to provide significant additional protection to people over the next weeks. This
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