New variants of Covid have started to spread across the UK. According to the latest data, a Covid wave driven by a new subvariant, FLiRT, has spread through schools, workplaces and crowds of football fans at the Euros.

The data collected till July 14, indicates a rise in Covid cases and hospitalisations. 

The UK Health Security Agency has reported that the average daily cases have nearly doubled since the beginning of June, from 250 a day to 483. 

The hospitalisations have increased significantly this summer. As per the NHS data for the month of June the number was 2,947 patients, up from 1,878 on May 30.

“The most recent observation report suggests that the number of hospitalisations as a result of Covid-19 has increased in the past week. While the UK Health Security Agency is closely monitoring the available data,” said Dr Alexander Allen, a consultant epidemiologist at the health agency.

Covid revival due to football crowds

According to reports, the European football championships are also believed to have contributed to the rising Covid numbers due to nationwide gatherings in pubs and living rooms.

However, the complete effect of this is yet to be felt as much of the increased transmission during the semi final – and especially the final – will not yet have fed through into new infections.

It may be mentioned here, in last Euro semi-final in July 2021, transmission rates in England rose by nine times – raising concerns that UK could see a spike in cases followed by the final match against Spain.

“It is obvious that Covid is still spreading, likely due to new, more infectious variants. The KP.3 variant, fading immunity, and crowded events during the Euros are factors that are likely to continue driving more infections,” said Professor Lawrence Young, a virologist at Warwick University.

What are the symptoms of Covid variant FLiRT?

The most common symptoms of the virus are the same as they were back in 2020:

• A high temperature

• A continuous cough

• A loss of sense of smell or taste

(With inputs from agencies)