By Bethan Finighan

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Health officials have urged Brits to get vaccinated against Covid-19 as levels of the virus continue to rise in England. It comes after a new Covid variant, dubbed ‘Stratus’, began to circulate in the UK . The new strain, officially known as XFG, was declared a “variant under monitoring” by the World Health Organisation (WHO) on June 25 after it was first reported in January this year. The XFG variant and its spin-offs now account for 77 per cent of all Covid cases in England, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Last week this figure was around 75 per cent. The UKHSA is urging people to book their vaccinations against Covid and other seasonal viruses as cases are starting to rise ahead of the winter months. The latest data by the UKHSA shows an increase in Covid positivity from 7.6 per cent to 8.4 per cent in a week, indicating that a greater percentage of the people being tested are testing positive for the virus. Covid hospitalisations have also increased from 2.00 per 100,000 to 2.73 per 100,000. Some 1,995 people tested positive with Covid in England in the week ending September 17, a 14.3 per cent increase from the wek before. Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: “Flu and COVID-19 levels are starting to slowly increase. While this is to be expected at this time of year, now is the time for people to come forward for their winter vaccines if they’re eligible, before we start to see more of these viruses in circulation in the winter months. “Vaccination offers the best protection against flu, COVID-19 and RSV which is why it’s vital that eligible groups get vaccinated. “If you have symptoms of flu or COVID-19 such as a high temperature, cough and feeling tired and achy, try to limit your contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable. “If you have symptoms and need to leave the house, our advice remains that you should wear a face covering. Washing hands regularly and using and disposing tissues in bins can reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.” The Covid autumn booster programme begins on October 1, 2025, with the NHS urging those most at risk to get protected. Those eligible include: While the new ‘Stratus’ variant is largely similar to existing strains of the virus – causing symptoms such as fever, a cough, and a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – experts say its most common symptom is a hoarse or raspy voice . According to the NHS , other symptoms of Covid can include