High COVID-19 infections rates amongst young people are now beginning to spread to older age groups in parts of England, Deputy Chief Medical Office Jonathan Van-Tam said on Monday, predicting the pattern would continue elsewhere.
Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.
“This is, again, of a significant concern ... because, of course, the elderly suffer a much worse course with COVID-19. They are admitted to hospital for longer periods, and they are more difficult to save,” Van-Tam said at a government briefing presenting charts on the spread of the virus.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is expected to impose a tiered system of further restrictions on parts of England as the COVID-19 outbreak accelerates, though anger is rising at the cost of the stringent curtailment of freedoms.
Johnson has chaired an emergency response committee, known as a COBRA meeting, and will then address parliament at around 1430 GMT, offering lawmakers a vote later in the week on the measures. He will then hold a press conference.
Read more:
Italy to ban parties amid new COVID-19 restrictions
UAE records 1,064 COVID-19 cases, one death
COVID-19 Essentials shops provide pandemic needs in sign of new normal