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Covid experts in the European Union are urging the public to start wearing face masks again as cases soar across the UK. The Nimbus and Stratus variants have been causing widespread spikes in cases and hospital admissions lately, including in Scotland. In response to this increase in cases in the UK and Europe, Swiss experts have stressed that wearing a face mask can significantly help curb the transmission of viruses such as Covid, reports Birmingham Live . Tanja Stadler, an epidemiologist at ETH Zurich and chair of the Swiss Confederation's Covid scientific task force, told SonntagsZeitung: "In crowded, enclosed spaces, such as public transportation, [wearing a mask] is advisable for vulnerable people-those over 65 or those with compromised immune systems. "Even those who aren't vulnerable can protect themselves from troublesome infections and, at the same time, show solidarity with others. Data on the spread of viruses already exists, but it's not easily accessible to the public. Making it available would help those who want to protect themselves act accordingly." Marcel Tanner, a professor emeritus of public health at the University of Basel and a former member of the Covid Task Force, stated: "After everything we've learned, it would be logical for anyone with a cold to wear a mask, at least on public transportation." The WHO have designated the Stratus strain, also known as XFG, as a “low risk” globally. It said: “XFG is growing rapidly compared to co-circulating variants globally. However, XFG exhibits only marginal additional immune evasion over [other variant] LP.8.1. "While there are reported increases in cases and hospitalisations in some of the [southeast Asia region] countries, which has the highest proportion of XFG, there are no reports to suggest that the associated disease severity is higher as compared to other circulating variants. “The available evidence on XFG does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendant lineages.” But while it may not be as dangerous, Stratus can spread more easily than past variants and may be able to evade vaccinations. “Unlike other variants, Stratus has certain mutations in the spike protein which could help it evade antibodies developed from prior infections or vaccinations,” Dr Kaywaan Khan, Harley Street GP and founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK. Other ways to prevent the spread of Covid include isolating yourself if you feel unwell or if you test positive for Covid. While testing is no longer required, those who do test positive should follow the NHS 'five-day rule' , which involves isolating as much as possible for five days after your positive test. Those who are under 18 years old should isolate for three days after their positive test, as children and young people tend to be contagious for a shorter period of time. The NHS also recommends staying clear of older people or those with compromised immune systems if you feel unwell. You should also stay at home if you have a fever or aren't feeling up to doing your usual daily routine. People over the age of 75 or those with weaker immune systems are also eligible for the Covid vaccine , which can be booked through the NHS website or app.
