Covid-19 cases are rising again as the autumn draws in – driven by the Stratus variant.
The new Stratus Covid variant is spreading across the UK (Image: SimpleImages via Getty Images)
Covid-19 cases are rising across the UK – and there’s also a spike in people being admitted to hospital with the illness. This comes as NHS bosses urge people in eligible groups to get vaccinated and best protect themselves against the new variants of Covid – and illnesses like flu – which are sweeping the country.
In our region, recent weeks have seen cases continue to rise, though there remains substantial variation across areas. The most recent dominant variant is that which is named Stratus. The new variant is coded XFG and had accounted for 40% of new UK cases as long ago as June.
The UK Health Security Agency has now begun its more detailed reporting of winter illnesses, focussing on respiratory infections like flu and Covid-19. Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, a consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “The first weekly surveillance report of the 2025/26 season shows that both flu and COVID-19 positivity continue to increase, so everyone eligible for vaccination should take it up now to ensure optimal protection.
“The NHS national booking system has opened for all eligible groups to book their flu and COVID-19 vaccination appointments. Remember that there are simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves and others.
“Anyone experiencing flu or COVID-19 symptoms, including high temperature, cough and feeling tired or achy, should try to minimise contact with others, particularly with those who may be vulnerable. If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should consider wearing a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, as can ensuring that indoor areas are well ventilated.”
The new variants have caused concern – XFG and closely related strains account for around 81.9% of Covid in circulation. However, in a recent blog post, the UKHSA said there was no reason to panic.
Health bosses wrote: “Current data does not indicate that these variants lead to more severe illness than other variants in circulation. It’s normal for viruses to mutate and change.
“And as more data becomes available on these variants we’ll have a better understanding of how they interact with our immune systems and how to optimise our protection, as well as actions we can take to keep the most vulnerable safe and live our lives as normally as possible. The most important thing is for those eligible to get their vaccination when it is due. “
In the North East, cases have steadily risen over recent weeks, though areas such as North Tyneside and Northumberland have seen noticeable spikes – with case rates pushing 20 per 100,000 people. Across the region as a whole, cases peaked at 9.86 per 100,000 people on October 6.
Health leaders in our region continue to encourage people to get life-saving vaccinations. Bosses at the North East and North Cumbria NHS integrated care board said more than 200,000 people had so far been vaccinated across the area.
Dr Catherine Monaghan, respiratory consultant and medical director, said: “This is a fantastic start to our winter vaccination programme, but we know there are still many more people who we want to come forward to get protected this winter.
“Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be lifesaving and are our best defence against these viruses. It only takes a few minutes to book an appointment and getting vaccinated not only protects you but also helps keep your family, friends and whole community safe.”
Appointments for both flu and COVID-19 jabs can be booked through the NHS website, the NHS App, or by calling 119 free of charge. If eligible for both, people can receive their vaccines at the same time.
As of October 8, these are the seven-day rolling average Covid-19 case rates for our areas:
North Tyneside 9.56 cases per 100,000 people
Newcastle upon Tyne – 12.74 cases per 100,000 people
Northumberland 11.51 cases per 100,000 people
Gateshead 7.14 cases per 100,000 people
South Tyneside 15.55 cases per 100,000 people
Sunderland 2.19 cases per 100,000 people
County Durham 4.22 cases per 100,000 people
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