Covid cases nearly DOUBLE in a month with estimates showing almost 93,000 new infections each day

Covid cases have almost doubled in a month to nearly 93,000 new infections a day, according to estimates.

With schools returning today, cases are expected to continue rising into the autumn.

Data from the ZOE health study shows there were 92,965 new daily cases of symptomatic infection on September 1 – up from about 50,000 at the start of August. 

The study, which is based on data from millions of users of the ZOE app, estimates there are around 1.15million people in the UK with the virus right now – roughly one in 58.

The rise in cases comes alongside the emergence of a new Covid BA.2.86 variant, known as Pirola. A spin-off of Omicron, just four cases have officially been detected in the UK, although far fewer tests are now conducted.

Office of National Statistics data released today shows there were 74 Covid deaths registered across the two countries in the week ending August 11

While not yet considered a ‘variant of concern’, health leaders have warned it could be ‘a very challenging winter’ if it is found to increase the risk of infection.

Last week, officials brought forward the annual flu and Covid vaccination programme in a bid to ensure vulnerable people are protected this winter. 

Those eligible will be able to book jabs a week from today rather than early October as originally planned. 

Residents in adult care homes and the clinically vulnerable will be first in line, followed by groups including over-65s and healthcare staff.