Information about the spread of a new COVID-19 strain has emerged

A new contagious strain of COVID-19 XFG "stratus" is actively spreading across the territory of Great Britain. This information was provided by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).

"In sequenced samples, the most common lineages were XFG and its sublineages," the agency's official statement notes.

According to the published data, variants XFG.3 and XFG by the end of June accounted for about 40% of the total number of recorded COVID-19 infection cases. Notably, just a month ago, in May, this figure was significantly lower - approximately 10%.

Specialists note a positive trend: the overall COVID-19 incidence across the country is currently showing a decline.

The XFG strain is an evolutionary continuation of the known "Omicron" strain. Scientists express concern that "stratus" may have increased contagiousness compared to previous COVID-19 variants, as the virus mutations allow it to more effectively overcome the body's immune defenses.