UCL researchers suggest Covid numbers ‘could spike’ after Christmas

Covid cases may rise in the New Year (Image: Getty)University College London researchers suggest the decline will continue until January, but may rise significantly in the New Year.the news means the tough restrictions that scuppered festive plans during the lockdown are unlikely to be imposed again. ProfKarl Friston, of UCL, said: “It looks as if the current peak has passed. The long-term forecast suggests a subsequent peak after Christmas.”Dr Mary Ramsay, director of public health programmes at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “The ongoing drop in cases and hospitalisation rates is a testament to the success of the booster programme.”