Overview

• XFG (Stratus) and its offshoots account for about 77% of sequenced Covid cases in England, up from roughly 75% the previous week, according to UKHSA data.
• Test positivity rose from 7.6% to 8.4% week over week in England, and Covid hospital admissions increased from 2.00 to 2.73 per 100,000.
• UKHSA advises people with respiratory symptoms to stay home if possible or follow Living with Covid measures, including wearing a mask and avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
• WHO lists XFG as a variant under monitoring with a low additional global risk, while BA.3.2 is flagged as a variant of interest based on laboratory evidence of increased antibody evasion.
• Clinicians report a hoarse or raspy voice as a frequent Stratus symptom, and authorities reiterate that current vaccines continue to protect well against severe disease.