London, October 4 (TNA) Britain is witnessing a rise in Covid-19 infections and hospital admissions as the XFG variant, also known as Stratus or “American Covid”, continues to circulate across the country.
According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the proportion of positive Covid-19 tests in hospitals increased from 5.9% to 7%. The weekly hospital admission rate in England also rose from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000 people—an increase of nearly 50%.
According to the latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the proportion of positive Covid-19 tests in hospitals increased from 5.9% to 7%. The weekly hospital admission rate in England also rose from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000 people—an increase of nearly 50%.
London recorded the sharpest increase, with its Covid-related hospital admission rate rising by nearly 79% in a week. The elderly remain particularly vulnerable; among people aged over 85, the rate climbed from 7.08 to 12.43 per 100,000.
More than half of the sequenced positive samples in England have been identified as the XFG variant. Health officials say the strain is now among the most commonly circulating Covid lineages in the UK, alongside NB.1.8.1, also known as Nimbus.
Experts, however, have advised against panic, saying there is currently no evidence that XFG causes more severe illness than earlier variants. Nevertheless, Covid-19 can still lead to serious complications among older people and those with underlying health conditions.
Health authorities have urged vulnerable groups to remain alert, follow vaccination advice and seek medical help if symptoms worsen, particularly as the country enters the colder months.