COVID-19 activity in England is rising again and hospital admissions have been driven up by this XFG variant (Stratus).
The latest UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) surveillance report shows that in the week ending September 20, 2026, the COVID-19 hospital admission rate increased from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000 people, which is an increase of nearly 48% in a week.
The increase is accompanied by a rise in COVID-19 positivity in the hospital. UKHSA data showed the rolling seven-day positivity rate had increased from 5.9% to 7.0%.
London experienced the highest regional hospital admission rate and people aged 85 and above had the highest admission rate among all age groups.
What Is The XFG ‘Stratus’ Variant
XFG is a recombinant SARS-CoV-2 lineage that originated from earlier Omicron-related lineages. In June 2025, the World Health Organization classified XFG as a Variant Under Monitoring.
The WHO said that there was no evidence that XFG caused more severe disease than the other circulating variants.
The variant has been detected in several regions and its rapid growth has been monitored because genetic changes can affect how the virus interacts with existing immunity.
WHO's assessment showed that the additional global public health risk from XFG was low based on the evidence available at the time.
How Common Is XFG In England
The latest UKHSA surveillance report lives a clearer picture of the variants currently detected. From sequenced samples collected by August 17 to August 30, XFG.23.1.3 was 46.2% of those sequenced.
Other sequences that were detected are NB.1.8.1, XFG.14.8, JN.1, TA.1, XFG and XFJ. UKHSA cautions that sequencing numbers are relatively low so the current proportions have to be interpreted carefully.
What Are The Symptoms
XFG infections generally produce symptoms similar to those associated with earlier Omicron-related variants. Symptoms can include sore throat, cough, congestion, fatigue, headache and fever.
Stratus infections have also been associated with a scratchy or hoarse throat, but symptoms can vary across individuals.
Importantly, the increase in hospital admissions does not by itself demonstrate that XFG is causing more severe illness. There are also more hospitalisations in older people and people with respiratory infections as well.
Should People Be Concerned
The most recent figures show that COVID-19 activity is increasing but UKHSA continues to assess the overall COVID-19 activity as low, and hospital admissions were at a baseline level.
WHO has also found no evidence that XFG causes worse disease severity as compared to already circulating variants. Monitoring is critical as the virus continues to evolve, particularly in older persons and other people at higher risk of serious COVID-19 complications.
At present, the data point to a revival of activity in COVID-19 and not back to pandemic conditions as in the past.
