Why are Covid-19 deaths rising?

BRITAIN has seen a rise in Covid deaths in October 2021 - and as a result Plan B Covid rules could be brought in.

But why exactly are deaths as a result of coronavirus rising? Here's all you need to know...

Why are Covid-19 deaths rising?

In October 2021, ministers have become increasingly worried about the number of new cases which is hurtling towards 50,000 a day.

Hospital admissions are also rising although the October numbers still remain below September's levels.

Experts believe there are a variety of reasons for the Covid rise — ranging from the lack of face mask enforcement to large indoor gatherings that have allowed the virus to spread.

Around 1.5million people who are eligible for a third jab have still not had it.

And the UK’s stuttering vaccine rollout means we are slipping down the European league table.

Scientists also warned a new sub-variant of the Delta strain, named AY.4.2, is gaining a foothold and could be 15 per cent more infectious.

The UK‘s hesitation in vaccinating younger teenagers and the return to schools in September, have also been cited as reasons for the rise in cases - as there has been a boom in infections among 0-18 year olds.

However Health Secretary Sajid Javid has told MPs that the government is "ramping up" the vaccination programme - especially in young people.

He stated: "To make the most of half-term next week, we will now be opening up the national booking service to all 12 to 15-year-olds to have their Covid vaccinations in existing national vaccination centres, which will offer families more flexibility.

"I think it is important that anyone who is invited as eligible for a vaccine, including young people, that they do come forward and take up that offer."

NHS chief Amanda Pritchard confirmed the plans on October 19, 2021.

But she highlighted that there are a "number of challenges to vaccinating 12 to 15 year olds at scale and at pace".

In September 2021, Javid joined The Sun’s campaign to get booster jabs into millions of arms before the end of the year.

Will there be another winter lockdown? 

If death rates rise the Government could come under pressure to introduce lockdown-style restrictions before Christmas.

Downing Street has already admitted there is a challenging winter ahead.

PM Boris Johnson has hinted that masks, working from home, and Covid passports may need to be brought in this winter.

But giving booster jabs to the elderly and most vulnerable could instead help protect the NHS from being overwhelmed as it was in December 2020.

The PM’s spokesman said there were no plans to use the contingency measures set out in the autumn/winter strategy unless there is a significant risk of the NHS being overwhelmed.

On October 19, 2021, Covid powers were extended until March 2022 as Britain recorded its most deaths since March.

MPs nodded through a watered-down version of the Coronavirus Act without a vote as typical Tory opposition melted away.