New Covid-19 data reveals an autumn spike in cases across the North East, thought to be predominantly the so-called "American Covid" variant, with every local authority north of the Tyne above the national average.
According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the predominant variant is XFG, colloquially named American Covid due to where it is thought to have first become prominent. In the week to October 14, Newcastle recorded 9.39 cases per 100,000 people, significantly above the England average of 3.21 per 100,000.
Regional figures
Area-by-area data for the week to October 14 shows Newcastle's rate is slightly lower than a peak of 10.7 seen in the last fortnight, but well up on September 1 when the rate was almost 10 times lower at 1.34. Gateshead reported 5.61 cases per 100,000, up from 2.55 at the end of September, while North Tyneside recorded 7.17 per 100,000, having reached a low of 0.96 during September.
Other figures include County Durham at 3.07 cases per 100,000, Northumberland at 4.35, South Tyneside at 2.7, and Sunderland at 2.19 per 100,000.
UKHSA assessment
UKHSA experts said last week there were "mixed trends" in Covid-19. The virus' circulation is said to remain at "low levels" and A&E attendances were stable, but the number of Covid-19 "acute respiratory infection incidents" had increased in the week to October 11. The agency's report stated: "As of 13 October 2026, there were a total of 1,848 COVID-19 cases identified in hospital settings in week 41, remaining stable compared with 1,847 cases in the previous week." The rate of positive cases was highest in the over-85s.
Dr Alex Allen, consultant epidemiologist at UKHSA, said: "While Covid-19 activity has shown some recent increases, cases remain at low levels in the UK." He added: "It’s completely normal for viruses to change over time. The strains currently going around, including those known as XFG, are closely related to strains that have been with us for over a year, so this isn’t something new. We’re also not seeing any evidence that these are making people more ill or spreading faster than before, and this year’s autumn vaccine has been specifically designed to protect against them."
Vaccine advice
Dr Allen urged eligible individuals: "If you are eligible for a COVID-19 vaccine it is because you are at greater risk of severe illness and being hospitalised. Don’t risk it, get the vaccine and give yourself the best protection." Members of the public who are eligible for a free vaccine can check their eligibility and book appointments through their GP or pharmacist.
