Overview

• RKI’s latest sequencing snapshot shows XFG (“Stratus”) at roughly 64–65% of cases in Germany, now the most frequently detected SARS-CoV-2 lineage worldwide.
• Laboratory-confirmed Covid-19 cases reached 2,055 for 1–7 September, up about 25% week over week, as clinics also report more visits for respiratory symptoms.
• WHO classifies XFG as a Variant under Monitoring following rapid growth since first being flagged in Canada in January and its April detection in Germany.
• Stratus is a recombinant of Omicron lineages LF.7 and LP.8.1.2 with spike mutations linked to a transmission advantage, yet authorities see no evidence of increased severity.
• Infections are often reported with hoarseness, dry cough and sore throat, and standard PCR and antigen tests continue to detect the lineage reliably.