New Covid variant detected in UK as officials issue warning of resurgence
New Covid variant detected in UK as officials issue warning of resurgence
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A new Covid variant has been detected and identified in the UK, health officials have confirmed.
The strain, believed to be a sub-variant of Omicron, was reportedly first identified in August.
However, there are now confirmed to be a small number of cases in Northern Ireland.
According to their latest Covid bulletin, the Public Health Agency said: “There has now been a small number of confirmed cases of BA.2.86 identified in NI.
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“There is no evidence at this time that this variant causes more severe disease or spreads more easily compared to other currently circulating variants.”
According to the PHA, vaccines are likely to provide ongoing protection from the variant.
However, in their October bulletin, they also warned that cases were once again rising.
Data shared by the organisation showed Covid infections detected through clinical trials and testing stood at 448, a slight jump compared to 441 just one week prior.
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The PHA has warned cases were once again rising
PAThe bulletin continued to advise on Covid in care homes and keeping the elderly safe.
It warned: “There has been an increase in the number of new outbreaks in the current week compared to the previous week; with 11 new outbreaks reported in week 39; compared to 7 in the previous week.
“There has been a slight decrease in the number of community-acquired emergency Covid-19 hospital admissions, with 65 admissions in the current week compared to 67 in the previous week.
“The 80+ year-old age group had the majority of community-acquired emergency Covid-19 hospital admissions in week 39 (40.0 per cent).
The report added that in Northern Ireland there were 10 registered Covid deaths in the week ending September 29.
PA
“There has been a general increasing trend in the number of community-acquired emergency Covid-19 inpatients in the most recent week.”
The report added that in Northern Ireland there were 10 registered Covid deaths in the week ending September 29.
Northern Ireland’s chief medical officer Sir Michael McBride urged people who were yet to be vaccinated or yet to receive a booster jab to come forward in a bid to reduce pressure on Northern Ireland’s hospitals this winter.
He warned that although the threat of Covid was diminished it was still capable of causing serious health issues and even death.