UK Covid hospitalisations surge as Stratus variant spreads

UK Covid hospital admissions have jumped nearly 50 per cent, with London seeing an 80 per cent rise in a week, as the XFG "Stratus" variant drives an autumn surge. Hospital positive tests rose from 5.9 to 7 per cent. Doctors say the variant, first seen in January 2025, is not a major concern, but warn seasonal flu could pressure health services.