Covid Nimbus variant cases double in one month as infections hit highest level
A new strain of coronavirus is on the rise across the UK - with eight per cent of Covid tests analysed showing positive for the new 'Nimbus' variant. The highly contagious Nimbus is now Britain's most dominant strain with official UKHSA data suggesting infections have doubled in the space of just one month.
The variant has been flagged in the UK, US and Australia and is linked to spikes in cases in India, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Thailand. Nimbus, known scientifically as N.B.1.8.1, is thought to be the most contagious variant of the virus yet with experts warning it could drive a wave of new cases this summer.
In its weekly report UKHSA also said there had also been a slight increase in hospital admissions for Covid to just over 1.5 admissions per 100,000 people. It follows warnings from British scientists earlier this month that Nimbus could lead to a surge in Covid cases.
They warned that many people's immunity to the virus, built up from previous infections and older jabs, has likely faded meaning they could be at higher risk of falling ill.
Other data collected by the agency shows the total number of tests coming back positive for any type of Covid has increased to 6.8 per cent as of June 15, the latest available data. This is up from 5.6 per cent last month and represents the highest figure recorded so far this year.
'The NB.1.8.1 variant, also referred to as Nimbus, is a new strain of the Covid-19 virus that has emerged due to mutations in its genetic material,' says Dr Naveed Asif, GP at The London General Practice.
'Variants like this pop up when the virus mutates, which is normal for viruses, especially ones that spread widely,' explains Tang. 'NB.1.8.1 was first picked up in early 2025 and has since been detected in several countries, including the UK, China and US. It's got some new mutations that scientists are keeping a close eye on.'
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Powys County Times
an hour ago
- Powys County Times
UK records warmest day of year so far as temperature hits 32.2C
The UK has broken its record for the warmest day of the year twice on the same day, with the temperature reaching as high as 32.2C. The new high was measured in Kew, west London, after the previous high of 30.8C in Wisley, Surrey, was recorded earlier on Thursday afternoon. Forecasters had said temperatures were likely to climb through the afternoon, amid an amber heat-health alert for all regions in England. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, is in force until 9am on Monday. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: 'Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. 'It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. 'The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote healthcare services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the workforce.' UV and pollen levels are also expected to climb alongside temperatures. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas. 'Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid.' He warned parts of the country are in for 'tropical nights' over the weekend. 'The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a 'tropical night',' Mr Holley said. Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, said sales in some pubs increase almost 20% during hot weather. She said the current heatwave is a 'huge boon for Britain's brewers and pubs'. Meanwhile, a number of charities have issued warnings about the potential risks of hotter weather. St John Ambulance urged the public to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and to learn how to respond. It comes after a survey of 1,002 adults in England revealed more than half do not know the difference between 'life-threatening' heatstroke, which requires a 999 call, and heat exhaustion, which can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient. The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people with heart conditions to take precautions such as staying cool and keeping hydrated to minimise potential health risks during a heatwave, saying the heat can put extra strain on the heart. Age UK urged people to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything and to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat. Dementia UK issued advice and tips on how to support a loved one with dementia in the heat, including keeping hydrated; staying cool with appropriate clothing; keeping the person out of the heat; cooling the person down by avoiding hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine; and keeping the home environment cool. RAC breakdown spokeswoman person Alice Simpson warned drivers should 'take every precaution' in the heat. 'When temperatures soar, vehicle breakdowns usually do the same,' she said. 'One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.' Ms Simpson urged drivers to check their coolant levels and any air conditioning systems that are not working properly, and to take plenty of water and snacks on the road. People are urged to look after their pets in the heat as well. British Veterinary Association president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: 'Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn, some of which can sadly be fatal.' She said owners should ensure their animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade, advising dog lovers to avoid taking their pets for walks during the heat of the day and to never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory. Tips from the RSPCA include using pet-safe sun cream; ensuring animals have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times; keeping fish tanks out of direct sunlight; using cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly for dogs from pet-friendly ingredients; freezing dogs' water bowls; and wrapping an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for pets to lie on.
The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
UK records warmest day of year so far as temperature hits 32.2C
Forecasters had said temperatures were likely to climb through the afternoon, amid an amber heat-health alert for all regions in England. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, is in force until 9am on Monday. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: 'Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. 'It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. People enjoying the warm weather in Edinburgh's Princes Street Gardens (Jane Barlow/PA) 'The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote healthcare services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the workforce.' UV and pollen levels are also expected to climb alongside temperatures. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas. Thursday has become the hottest day of the year so far (Jonathan Brady/PA) 'Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid.' He warned parts of the country are in for 'tropical nights' over the weekend. 'The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a 'tropical night',' Mr Holley said. Emma McClarkin, chief executive officer of the British Beer and Pub Association, said sales in some pubs increase almost 20% during hot weather. She said the current heatwave is a 'huge boon for Britain's brewers and pubs'. Meanwhile, a number of charities have issued warnings about the potential risks of hotter weather. A person sunbathes near the fountains in Battersea Park, London (Jonathan Brady/PA) St John Ambulance urged the public to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and to learn how to respond. It comes after a survey of 1,002 adults in England revealed more than half do not know the difference between 'life-threatening' heatstroke, which requires a 999 call, and heat exhaustion, which can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient. The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people with heart conditions to take precautions such as staying cool and keeping hydrated to minimise potential health risks during a heatwave, saying the heat can put extra strain on the heart. Age UK urged people to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything and to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat. People in a row boat on the Serpentine in Hyde Park, London (Yui Mok/PA) Dementia UK issued advice and tips on how to support a loved one with dementia in the heat, including keeping hydrated; staying cool with appropriate clothing; keeping the person out of the heat; cooling the person down by avoiding hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine; and keeping the home environment cool. RAC breakdown spokeswoman person Alice Simpson warned drivers should 'take every precaution' in the heat. 'When temperatures soar, vehicle breakdowns usually do the same,' she said. 'One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.' Sunhats are essential for walkers at Yr Wyddfa in Snowdonia, Wales (Nick Potts/PA) Ms Simpson urged drivers to check their coolant levels and any air conditioning systems that are not working properly, and to take plenty of water and snacks on the road. People are urged to look after their pets in the heat as well. British Veterinary Association president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: 'Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn, some of which can sadly be fatal.' She said owners should ensure their animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade, advising dog lovers to avoid taking their pets for walks during the heat of the day and to never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory. Tips from the RSPCA include using pet-safe sun cream; ensuring animals have constant access to shade and fresh drinking water at all times; keeping fish tanks out of direct sunlight; using cold treats from the fridge for added moisture or make an ice lolly for dogs from pet-friendly ingredients; freezing dogs' water bowls; and wrapping an ice pack or frozen water bottle in a tea towel, or use damp towels for pets to lie on.
Leader Live
4 hours ago
- Leader Live
UK records warmest day of year so far as temperature hits 32.2C
The new high was measured in Kew, west London, after the previous high of 30.8C in Wisley, Surrey, was recorded earlier on Thursday afternoon. Forecasters had said temperatures were likely to climb through the afternoon, amid an amber heat-health alert for all regions in England. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the first time since September 2023, is in force until 9am on Monday. It warns 'significant impacts are likely' across health and social care services because of high temperatures, including a rise in deaths – particularly among those aged 65 and over or people with health conditions. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: 'Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. 'It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. 'The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote healthcare services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the workforce.' UV and pollen levels are also expected to climb alongside temperatures. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK. Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: 'The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas. 'Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid.' He warned parts of the country are in for 'tropical nights' over the weekend. 'The nights will also be quite warm, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20C in some areas, making it hard to sleep. This is what we term a 'tropical night',' Mr Holley said. A number of charities have issued warnings about the potential risks of hotter weather. St John Ambulance urged the public to familiarise themselves with the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and to learn how to respond. It comes after a survey of 1,002 adults in England revealed more than half do not know the difference between 'life-threatening' heatstroke, which requires a 999 call, and heat exhaustion, which can be treated by cooling and hydrating a patient. The British Heart Foundation is encouraging people with heart conditions to take precautions such as staying cool and keeping hydrated to minimise potential health risks during a heatwave, saying the heat can put extra strain on the heart. Age UK urged people to check in on older relatives, friends, and neighbours to see if they need anything and to make sure they are not feeling overwhelmed by the excessive heat. Dementia UK issued advice and tips on how to support a loved one with dementia in the heat, including keeping hydrated; staying cool with appropriate clothing; keeping the person out of the heat; cooling the person down by avoiding hot drinks, alcohol and caffeine; and keeping the home environment cool. RAC breakdown spokeswoman person Alice Simpson warned drivers should 'take every precaution' in the heat. 'When temperatures soar, vehicle breakdowns usually do the same,' she said. 'One of the biggest risks is an increase in cars overheating, especially when sat in queues of traffic with no shade.' Ms Simpson urged drivers to check their coolant levels and any air conditioning systems that are not working properly, and to take plenty of water and snacks on the road. People are urged to look after their pets in the heat as well. British Veterinary Association president Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: 'Each summer, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn, some of which can sadly be fatal.' She said owners should ensure their animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade, advising dog lovers to avoid taking their pets for walks during the heat of the day and to never leave them inside a car, caravan or conservatory.
