Covid cases continue to be detected throughout the UK as the new sub-variant Omicron XE arrives on the scene.
It comes as all restrictions have been dropped and life seemingly returns back to normal.
However, the new strain is one that the World Health Organisation (WHO) warns is more transmissible than previous variants.
First detected in January, there are now 1,179 cases of Omicron XE throughout England.
Data is still being compiled on the latest variant as the situation is continually changing.
WHO has given the public enough information to take precautions though, and all the relevant info can be found below.
Here is everything you need to know about Omicron XE.
What is Omicron XE?
Omicron XE is known as a sub-variant or “recombinant” variant.
It combines the genetic characteristics of Omicron BA-1 and Omicron BA.2.
XE was first detected in the UK on January 19 2022, according to the WHO.
The WHO released a report that suggested the variant could be more transmissible than previous strains.
The report explained: “Early-day estimates indicate a community growth rate advantage of 10 per cent as compared to BA.2, however this finding requires further confirmation.
“XE belongs to the Omicron variant until significant differences in transmission and disease characteristics, including severity, may be reported.”
How many cases of Omicron XE have been detected?
As of March 22, there were a reported 637 cases of Omicron XE reported in England. This rose to 1,179 by this week.
According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), 4.9 million people in the UK were infected with Covid-19 as of last weekend, April 15–17.
This is a record high level of Covid infections, and restrictions being dropped with more people mixing is thought to be to blame.
It also comes after the sub-variant micron BA.2 was first detected in the UK.
How is XE different from the original Omicron strain?
Essentially, the biggest difference between this strain and previous ones is its transmissibility.
Data is still being compiled by scientists, but the infection rate appears to be higher when compared to BA.1 and BA.2.
As the sub-variant has just broken the 1,100-plus barrier, more details on the severity of the recombinant strain will emerge in the coming weeks.
What are the symptoms of Omicron XE?
The symptoms are believed to be the same as previous strains, though as the situation is continually developing, that may change.
As with the previous milder Omicron variants, the most common reported symptoms are similar to that of a cold.
Sore throat, sneezing, fatigue and runny nose are the most reported effects.
Symptoms are less likely to be prevalent in the vaccinated, though they are still common.
Where are the Omicron hotspots in the UK?
Across the entirety of the UK, England is the most common location for the new strain.
The government has not issued a warning on specific hotspots yet.
