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2h ago

UKHSA Issues ‘Avoid Contact’ Guidance as Stratus Variant Dominates in England

WHO assesses the XFG lineage as a low-risk variant under monitoring despite small rises in UK positivity and admissions.

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Overview

  • XFG (Stratus) and its offshoots now account for about 77% of sequenced cases in England, up from roughly 75% the previous week, according to UKHSA data.
  • UKHSA advises people with respiratory symptoms to avoid contact with vulnerable individuals and stay home if possible, with mask use and other Living with COVID measures recommended for those who cannot.
  • Test positivity in England rose from 7.6% to 8.4% week over week, and COVID hospital admissions increased from 2.00 to 2.73 per 100,000, indicating a modest upward trend.
  • WHO lists XFG as a variant under monitoring and says current global risk is low, with existing vaccines expected to continue protecting against severe disease; officials urge eligible people to get winter vaccinations.
  • Clinicians report a hoarse or raspy voice as a common Stratus symptom, while NB.1.8.1 (Nimbus)—still circulating but no longer dominant—has been linked to very painful sore throats and more gastrointestinal complaints, and BA.3.2 is being closely watched after lab signs of antibody evasion.