Covid experts call for return of free tests as UK cases hit new high

ONS survey estimates one in 14 people had coronavirus last week, with BA.2 variant fuelling rise

Covid has hit an all-time high across the UK, with almost 5 million people estimated to have the virus in the most recent official data - one in 14 - prompting experts to call for the return of free testing.

The figures from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) came on the day the government ended free rapid tests for most people in England and as tens of thousands of people are hoping to embark on Easter holidays. Many will have to pay for a test to find out if they are infected, whether symptomatic or not.