As thousands of new covid cases suggest a “summer wave”, experts believe a new variant of the disease is behind the spike.
As per the most recent figures, cases have jumped up by more than a third in the space of a week, with 2,815 people having reported contracting the virus in the seven days up to June 19. This was up from 2,108 in the previous week.
The new wave is believed to be linked to new FliRT variants, which have rapidly become the dominant strains in the UK Experts have said there is no evidence the variant causes more severe disease than previous strains, but also warned that contracting covid, driven by FliRT, is not “risk-free”.
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Previously, people who test positive have had to isolate, with parents and carers told to keep children off school, and employees having to ring in sick. However, there are currently no Covid-19 restrictions in the UK.
Government guidance states: “If you have Covid-19 you should try to stay at home. Most people cannot get free Covid-19 tests. You can buy tests in shops but you cannot report the result to the NHS.”
NHS advice adds: “Try to stay at home and avoid contact with other people if you or your child have symptoms and either:
- have a high temperature
- do not feel well enough to go to work, school, childcare, or do your normal activities
“You can go back to your normal activities when you feel better or do not have a high temperature. If your child has mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat or mild cough, and they feel well enough, they can go to school or childcare.”
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Sarah Carter is a health and wellness expert residing in the UK. With a background in healthcare, she offers evidence-based advice on fitness, nutrition, and mental well-being, promoting healthier living for readers.
