Covid-19 infections in the UK have dropped to their lowest level for nearly 11 months, though not all parts of the country are showing a clear downward trend.

Some 944,700 people in private households are estimated to have had coronavirus in the week to August 28, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

This is the first time the figure has fallen below a million since the beginning of June.

It is also the lowest UK-wide total since the week to October 2 2021, when the number stood at 942,600.

HEALTH Coronavirus Infections
(PA Graphics)

Infections hit 3.8 million in early July this year during the spread of the Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 sub-variants of the virus, but have been on a broadly downward path in recent weeks.

At a national level, infections are continuing to fall in England and Wales while the trend is uncertain in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the ONS said.

In England, the percentage of people testing positive for coronavirus in the week to August 28 was 770,800, or around one in 70 – down from 893,300, or one in 60, in the seven days to August 23.

Wales has seen infections fall to 31,500 people, or one in 95, down from 47,300, or one in 65.

In Scotland, 104,400 people were likely to have tested positive for Covid-19 in the latest week, the equivalent of about one in 50.

This compares with 96,000, or one in 55, in the previous survey.

And in Northern Ireland, the latest estimate is 38,000, or one in 50 people, compared with 35,800, which was also one in 50.

Infections are estimated to have fallen in all regions of England except eastern England, the East Midlands and the South East, where the trend is described by the ONS as uncertain.

All age groups in England are likely to have seen a fall in the prevalence of the virus except people from school year 12 to age 24, and those aged 70 and over, where the trend is again uncertain.

Infection rates are highest among people aged 70 and over, with 1.8% likely to test positive in the most recent week, or around one in 55 people.

Rates are lowest among young children between the age of two and school year six, at 0.9% – the equivalent of one in 120.

The ONS infection survey is the most reliable measure of the prevalence of Covid-19 and is based on a sample of swab tests from households across the UK.

The figures come as people aged 65 and over can now book their Covid-19 autumn booster jab.

Appointments are also open for carers and pregnant women.

People aged 75 and over, the severely immunosuppressed and frontline health and care workers have been able to book a booster since last week.

Bookings can be done online or over the phone, as long as the person had their last Covid jab at least three months ago.

An autumn booster will eventually be offered to everyone aged 50 and over.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, consultant epidemiologist for immunisation and countermeasures at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “With respiratory viruses increasing in circulation in the winter months we can expect to see growing cases of Covid-19 in the coming weeks.

“We urge all who are contacted to come forward and accept their booster when called for their jab.”

NHS director of vaccinations and screening Steve Russell said: “There is no room for complacency in keeping Covid-19 on the back foot and this autumn booster will help protect those most at risk.

“If you are one of those eligible, it is as important as ever to get your next dose, so please do come forward as soon as possible.”