The re-start of socializing, gathering, diminishing immunity, and a more contagious version of Omicron, are driving a rise in COVID-19 cases among those aged 55 years and above in England. 

Though the infection rates have reduced overall since the peak in January, tests conducted on around 100,000 swabs showed that one in 35 individuals tested positive from February 8 through March 1, and that cases were more in the age group of 55 and above.

Studies showed that the R-value was below 1 for the age group 54 and below, while for the age group of 55 and above, the R-value was 1.04, depicting increased infection. This has raised concern as the immunity might be decreasing owing to the administration of the booster dose several months back. (The Guardian, March 10, 2022)