Mapped: Number of Covid cases where you live as new XEC variant spreads in UK
manchestereveningnews.co.ukExperts have warned that a new Covid strain named XEC could spark a new wave of infections over the coming months. The new strain, which has emerged from subvariants of the Omicron strain, was first detected in Berlin in Germany in June.
Experts say the strain has since been found in the UK and the US among other countries and could soon become the dominant variant.
The UKHSA said the emergence of new variants is "normal and expected" as it urged eligible people to take up the offer of a booster jab this autumn. READ MORE: Health officials issue statement as new XEC Covid strain 'spreading in UK' READ MORE: NHS sends message after Jamie Theakston listeners spotted 'change in voice' before cancer diagnosis Covid rates in the UK remain significantly below the levels seen during the height of the pandemic, with widespread testing no longer required.
However, the lack of testing makes it difficult to predict how prevalent the virus currently is. The UKHSA said it "continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 in the UK and internationally".
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