There has been a continued overall increase in Covid case numbers this week, according to the government’s weekly surveillance report.

However, the reproduction rate has fallen slightly since last week to 2.00, indicating a slowing in the rate of increase.

The increase in cases has been seen across most age groups this week, with increases across all age groups (other than those aged 0-4 years).

Although the majority of cases continue to be in the 30-59 age group, there has also been a smaller rise in older adults and children and young people (aged 5-19).

The report states that the upward trend over the past few weeks is in line with that being seen across the British Isles.

It is likely to result from increased travel, changes in patterns of behaviour and mixing following reduction of restrictions here and elsewhere and the increased transmissibility of the BA.2 variant of omicron which is now widespread here and across the British Isles.

How long this persists will depend on levels of immunity, patterns of mixing in our communities and travel, all of which have an impact on transmission.