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)
As a new Covid-19 variant sweeps the UK – named Stratus – cases of the virus across the North East are starting to show an increase. The new variant is coded XFG and had accounted for 40% of new UK cases as long ago as June, it has been reported.
In August, around 70% of cases were either XFG or XFG.3. That’s according to gene sequencing carried out by scientists at the UK Health Security Agency.
Across the North East, UK Health Security Agency data shows that the Covid-19 case rate per 100,000 people passed seven for the first time in almost a year last week. On September 12 it was 7.07 cases per 100,000 people. The last time it was this high was October 28 last year.
That’s the first time it has been as high since November 2024 – however the pattern last autumn was similar, with September seeing an uptick in cases recorded. Health bosses now treat Covid-19 similarly to other respiratory viruses such as ‘flu and RSV – and encourgage vaccination in eligible groups to limit the spread.
Earlier in September, NHS North East and North Cumbria ICB Medical Director Dr Catherine Monaghan warned the public to get their vaccinations. She said: “Flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be lifesaving and are the best protection we have against these viruses.
“COVID-19 and flu season often peaks during December and January so vaccinating from October ensures the highest level of protection, during the colder months, when people tend to spend more time indoors and viruses spread more easily. Many people don’t realise they’re at higher risk so if you’re not sure whether you’re eligible, please speak to your GP, midwife, or visit the NHS website.
“Getting protected ahead of winter is one of the most effective ways we can all help keep ourselves, and others, safe and well. It only takes a few minutes to book an appointment, and I’d strongly encourage anyone who is eligible to come forward for a vaccination as soon as they can.”
As of September 17, these are the seven-day rolling average Covid-19 case rates for our areas:
North Tyneside 10.04 cases per 100,000 people
Newcastle upon Tyne – 8.72 cases per 100,000 people
Northumberland 6.53 cases per 100,000 people
Gateshead 5.61 cases per 100,000 people
South Tyneside 4.73 cases per 100,000 people
Sunderland 1.46 cases per 100,000 people
County Durham 1.73 cases per 100,000 people
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