According to ZOE COVID Study incidence figures, in total there are 349,011 currently new daily symptomatic cases of COVID in the UK on average. An increase of 7% from 324,954 reported last week (Graph 1).

The UK R-value is estimated to be around 1.1 and regional R values are; England, 1.1, Wales, 1.1, Scotland, 1.0. 

In terms of prevalence, on average 1 in 15 people in the UK currently have symptomatic COVID. In the regions, England, 1 in 15. Wales, 1 in 18. Scotland, 1 in 16. 

New daily symptomatic cases have stopped raising in regions of England (Graph 2) and in the UK (Graph 3) but cases remain at record highs.

New cases rates have begun falling in the youngest age group (0-17yr olds) and in the 34-55 yr olds. New cases have stopped rising or are slowing down in the rest of the age groups (Graph 4).

The ZOE COVID Study incidence figures (new symptomatic cases) are based on reports from around 840,000 weekly contributors and the proportion of newly symptomatic users who have received positive swab tests. The latest survey figures were based on data from 70,779 recent swab tests done on symptomatic cases in the two weeks up to 29 March 2022. 

Professor Tim Spector, lead scientist on the ZOE COVID Study app, comments on the latest data:

“While COVID cases continue to soar to all-time highs, the rate of increase is showing signs of slowing down. This is a promising sign that we’ll hopefully see case numbers beginning to drop once again. However, as the Government cuts off free testing and all restrictions are lifted it’s difficult to predict where things will go from here. Whilst LFTs are no longer free,  we’re pleased to see early data from 100,000 ZOE COVID Study contributors that suggest LFT accuracy remains high. The data shows LFTs are almost 80% effective in detecting positive cases and as high as 97% accurate in identifying negative cases. This should reassure everyone that LFTs remain a valuable tool for monitoring COVID and everyone should have a small supply to test themselves when they have cold-like symptoms.”

Graph 1. The ZOE COVID Study UK incidence figures total number of daily new cases over time.

Graph 2. Incidence rate by regions England 

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Graph 3. Incidence rate in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland

Graph 4. Incidence by age group 

Map of UK prevalence figures

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