UK Covid-19 cases per 1,000 tests

The number of daily new Covid-19 cases in the UK is currently on the way back down from what has so far been the largest wave the country has experienced in this pandemic. In this chart, we take a look back at that large peak in cases, and at where we are now heading.

One common assumption when cases start to increase is that it is simply due to more tests being carried out, therefore increasing the chances of a case being discovered. With this in mind, this chart looks to give a more accurate picture of how the pandemic is developing in the UK - by comparing the seven-day averages for cases and tests, revealing that changes in testing levels is by no means the only factor at play.