The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidance advising people in the UK with symptoms of any respiratory infection to wear a face mask, as the XFG variant – also known as 'American Covid' – continues to spread and COVID-19 hospital admissions rise.
The alert comes as COVID-19 rates in the UK continue to climb. The XFG variant has been circulating across the UK and other countries for roughly a year, according to the agency.
Rising infection and hospitalisation rates
Data from the UKHSA shows that COVID-19 positive test rates climbed to around 7% in September, with hospital admission rates surging by approximately 50% over the same period. The rise in hospitalisations, mirroring the overall increase in COVID-19 circulation, suggests a general uptick in COVID-19 activity.
In response, the UKHSA has provided guidance on what people should do if they exhibit symptoms of any respiratory infection, including COVID-19.
Guidance for those with symptoms
If a person has a high temperature or feels too unwell to go to work or carry out normal activities, they should avoid contact with vulnerable individuals and stay at home if possible. For those who cannot stay home, the most crucial thing is to minimise the chances of transmitting the infection to others.
The agency recommends that those with symptoms wear a "well-fitting face mask" with multiple layers or a surgical face mask. It also advises avoiding crowded places, taking exercise outdoors in areas where close contact with others can be avoided, and maintaining good hygiene practices. This includes covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, washing hands regularly with soap and water, or using hand sanitiser after coughing, sneezing, and blowing the nose and before eating or handling food, and avoiding touching the face.
Reasons behind the increase
The UKHSA believes the current increase is partly due to more people staying indoors as the weather turns colder and wetter, which facilitates the spread of respiratory viruses. Additionally, about a year has passed since the last significant COVID-19 wave, meaning immunity from vaccination and previous infection may be diminishing in some sections of the population, making them more vulnerable.
The COVID-19 vaccination programme has commenced, targeting individuals aged 75 and over, those with compromised immune systems, and residents of care homes for the elderly. The UKHSA strongly encourages anyone in these categories to get vaccinated, as it offers protection against severe illness.
