‘Now is the time’ – Expert sends huge warning as new Covid variant surges

A new Covid-19 strain named XEC is circulating this autumn, causing serious concern among health officials as cases of the virus continue to rise in the UK.

The number of people hospitalised has jumped to 4.55 per 100,000, up from 3.72 in the previous week. The UK Health Secretary Agency (UKHSA) reported an increase in infections, especially among the elderly population.

Those aged 85 and over have faced a staggering surge, reaching 52.48 cases per 100,000. People across the UK have been affected by the surge, yet the North East is experiencing the highest hospital admission rates at 8.12 per 100,000.

Experts are warning eligible individuals to protect themselves and others from the viruse, urging them to get vaccinated against Covid, flu, and RSV ahead of winter.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Covid-19 is continuing to circulate, with a slight increase in hospitalisations over the past two weeks.

“As winter approaches, we expect flu and RSV to increasingly circulate too, so if you’re eligible to get vaccinated against the three main winter threats – Covid-19, flu and RSV – now is the time to take them up and get winter strong.”

He added: “We understand people may be concerned about new variants. Our surveillance shows that where Covid cases are sequenced, around one in 10 are the ‘XEC’ lineage.

“Current information doesn’t suggest we should be more concerned about this variant but we are monitoring this closely.”

Dr Bernal reiterated the importance of limiting contact if you become unwell: “If you are showing symptoms of flu or Covid-19 such as a high temperature, cough, and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable.”

Despite mandatory isolation rules no longer being in place, health officials are advising to stay at home for five days after a positive test. Those at higher risk should be avoided for ten days.

The new XEC strain of Covidhas similar symptoms to previous variants. These include a high temperature, persistent cough, and fatigue.

UKSHAs new data shows an increase of 2.8 percent in overall Covid diagnoses, following a 21.6 percent spike in England the previous week.

In the week leading to October 2, England and Wales reported 2,912 new infections, a slight increase from the previous week. There were 128 Covid-related fatalities in the week before September 27.

Hospitalisations due to Covid stood at 2,622 in the seven days to September 28.