Oasis fans hit with Covid 'superspreader' warning ahead of Murrayfield gigs

Daily Record

a day ago

Experts are urging pandemic-style precautions ahead of the Edinburgh leg of Oasis' hotly-anticipated tour
They are the live performances that Oasis enthusiasts in Scotland have been anticipating all summer, with Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher finally travelling north of the border for three sold-out shows at Murrayfield Stadium.
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The iconic brothers will be taking to the Edinburgh stage on August 8, 9, and 12, when eager fans will finally hear hits like 'Wonderwall' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger' for the first time since the pair's infamous fallout 16 years ago.
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However, with just five days until the band's first Scottish performance since 2009, supporters are being cautioned that the latest variant of Covid is circulating amongst music enthusiasts attending the Live 25 reunion tour.
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Ironically, the Stratus variant is recognised for causing people to develop a hoarse voice – rather like frontman and Britpop wildman Liam Gallagher, who has been troubled by laryngitis and other throat ailments.
The virus has been circulating at London's Wembley Stadium, where Oasis have now completed five nights, with specialists recommending pandemic-style precautions before the Edinburgh portion of the tour.
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Over 200,000 people will pack into Scottish Gas Murrayfield, with the Scottish capital already heaving due to the Fringe, reports the Scottish Daily Express.
Akash Sood from Knightswood Pharmacy said: "New strands of Covid can infect thousands within metres of one another, so wear a mask if concerned, be safe and enjoy the return of Oasis."
The danger of contracting Covid at the concerts has also been emphasised by a team working on a documentary about the brothers' comeback tour.
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Fans heading into Wembley were greeted with a notice stating: "You acknowledge the contagious and potentially dangerous nature of Covid-19 and that the government and many public health authorities recommend social distancing."
The message continued: "You acknowledge that there remains the possibility that you may come into direct or indirect contact with Covid and you freely and willingly enter this area."
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The newly identified Stratus strain comprises two variants, XFG and XFG. 3, with XFG.3 responsible for 30 per cent of all Covid cases in England, as reported by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
Dr Alex Allen, Consultant Epidemiologist at UKHSA, said it is "normal for viruses to mutate and change over time" and confirmed that the agency continues to monitor all strains of Covid within the UK.
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As mentioned, the new strain of Covid's unique symptom is a hoarse and raspy voice.
Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, described its symptoms as 'mild to moderate,' and other signs of Stratus are similar to that of other Covid strains.
Dr Khan advised: "If you test positive, Stratus is highly contagious, and it is advised to stay home and isolate to avoid spreading to others."
The NHS explains that symptoms of Covid can include: