A “more infectious” Covid variant is starting to dominate in many countries with world health officials saying it is “one to watch”.
Estimated Covid cases reached their highest level since January 3 at the end of March in the UK, according to figures from the Office for National Statistics.
And the World Health Organization is focusing in on a new Omicron variant XBB.1.16 that has been dubbed “Arcturus”.
Up until now the Kraken XBB.1.5 strain has been dominant but now the new variant is spreading in 22 countries and is more infectious, said Maria van Kerkhove, the WHO’s Covid technical lead.
But while it spreading more easily, there is no evidence to show it leads to more severe illness.
Ms Van Kerkhove told a press conference: "One of the variants that we are looking at, and I think you specifically mentioned India, is a variant that we have under monitoring. This is the XBB.1.16.
"It’s actually very similar in profile to XBB.1.5. It has one additional mutation in the spike protein which in lab studies shows increase infectivity, as well as potential increased pathogenicity. So, it’s one that we are monitoring (...) because it has potential changes that we need to keep a good eye out on.
"At the present time there’s only about 800 sequences of XBB.1.16 from 22 countries. Most of the sequences are from India and in India XBB.1.16 has replaced the other variants that are in circulation. So, this is one to watch. It has been in circulation for a few months.
She added: “So far reports do not indicate a rise in hospitalisations, ICU admissions, or deaths due to XBB.1.16."
WHO’s weekly Covid update stated: "There are currently no reported laboratory studies on markers of disease severity for XBB.1.16."
It comes as millions of Brits now have access to another Covid booster jab.
From today people will be able to book a jab online with the first appointments available from April 17.
Some five million people will be entitled to the top up vaccine until the end of June.
This includes those aged 75 and over as well as people with an immunosuppressed condition aged five and over.
Steve Russell, NHS director of vaccinations and screening, commented: "As a society we are learning to live with Covid.
"But, for many, it is still a virus that can cause serious illness and hospitalisation, and so it is still really important that those at greatest risk come forward and boost their protection in the coming weeks."
Mr Russell highlighted how there are still some 8,000 people in hospital with Covid, according to latest data.
The NHS has now treated more than one million Covid inpatients since the pandemic began, he pointed out.
"So if you are over 75 or you have a weakened immune system, please come forward as soon as possible to book a Covid vaccine this spring so you can enjoy summer with peace of mind," he added.
Globally WHO has said that there were about 3.6million new Covid cases reported from February 27 to March 26 which is a decrease of 27% from the previous 28 days.
