But the final React study found 'worrying' signs that infections are still rising in those over 55.
There are signs that the latest wave of Covid infections may have peaked in children and younger adults, according to scientists tracking the outbreak.
The figures showed an "unprecedented" rise in household infections in all age groups and regions since February, when most outstanding Covid restrictions came to an end in England. But he added it was "worrying" that the virus was continuing to spread in people aged 55 and over, whose health is deemed to be most at risk from a severe Covid infection.
"We also know many older people had their booster way back in October or November last year so it's likely there will be some waning of the vaccine against infection, if not hospitalisation," said Prof Elliot.Almost 3,400 positive samples taken in March were genetically sequenced in a laboratory to determine the variant involved.
It's thought this version is a mix - or recombinant - of the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 variants which could have emerged when a patient was infected with both at the same time.confirmed in England up to 22 MarchThe World Health Organisation has said early tests suggest XE could be around 10% more transmissible than BA.2, but the findings require more investigation.
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