Holidaymakers told to wear masks and get jabs as cases of 'new Covid' soar
The government in a UK holkiday hotspot has urged people to wear masks, wash their hands, get vaccinated and avoid activity that could spread Covid as a new variant sends cases rocketing, The World Health Organisation has issued a warning over the new variant, NB.1.8.1, which has seen cases soar in countries including Egypt, the Maldives and Thailand.
The new strain, which is said to be more infectious than previous variants, has also been found in the US and the UK. Now the government in Thailand has issued a warning after 257,280 cases of Covid and 52 deaths.
The latest outbreak has been worst in the capital Bangkok and in Chonburi Province. Deputy government spokesperson Anukool Pruksanusak said international travel and the oncoming rainy season, could accelerate the outbreaks and the Ministry of Public Health will monitor the situation closely.
Anukool said people should 'limit activities that increase the risk of infection, wash their hands regularly, wear masks in crowded places, get booster vaccinations when due, and seek medical attention promptly if experiencing symptoms'
Cases of the virus have been surging since mid-February and are now at their highest rate since last June. The WHO says there are higher levels of Covid in 73 countries - including the Caribbean.
The WHO has designated the new strain NB.1.8.1 as a 'variant under monitoring' amid concern about the sharp rise in cases. By late April 2025, NB.1.8.1 comprised roughly 10.7% of all submitted sequences – up from just 2.5% four weeks before. It is already the dominant strain in Hong Kong and China. Lara Herrero Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, at Griffith University said thanks to multiple mutations the new strain ' may infect cells more efficiently than earlier strains'.
"But importantly, the WHO has not yet observed any evidence it causes more severe disease compared to other variants. Reports suggest symptoms of NB.1.8.1 should align closely with other Omicron subvariants.
"Common symptoms include sore throat, fatigue, fever, mild cough, muscle aches and nasal congestion. Gastrointestinal symptoms may also occur in some cases."
The new strain is being found in large numbers in the Eastern Mediterranean, an area including the tourist destination of Egypt. It is also being found in South East Asia - including in Thailand and the Maldives.
The WHO said recent increases have also been observed in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore.
The report reads: "WHO recommends that countries remain vigilant, adapt to evolving epidemiological trends, and leverage COVID-19 management strategies to strengthen systems for all respiratory disease threats. Member States should continue offering COVID-19 vaccines in line with WHO recommendations.
"Based on the current risk assessment of this event, WHO advises against imposing travel or trade restrictions."
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Wales Online
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The Independent
an hour ago
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The number 10,000 is satisfyingly round and easily marketable, but it has no solid scientific basis. However, its adoption as a default daily goal by many popular fitness trackers saw it become an unofficial holy grail for health in some circles. In 2023, a study by the University of Granada challenged this notion, finding that the number of steps you need to take per day 'to significantly reduce the risk of premature death' is 8,000, while 'if we focus on the risk of dying from cardiovascular disease, most of the benefits are seen at around 7,000 steps'. The latest research in The Lancet – a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing scientific literature – aimed to identify how many daily steps are needed to achieve a broader range of health outcomes. Despite its wider scope, it settled on a similar conclusion. 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It found that, compared with walking 2,000 steps per day, 7,000 steps per day was associated with: 47 per cent lower risk of all-cause mortality. 25 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease incidence. 47 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease mortality. 6 per cent lower risk of cancer incidence. 37 per cent lower risk of cancer mortality. 14 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes. 38 per cent lower risk of dementia. 22 per cent lower risk of depressive symptoms. 28 per cent lower risk of falls. Researchers concluded: 'Although 10,000 steps per day can still be a viable target for those who are more active, 7,000 steps per day is associated with clinically meaningful improvements in health outcomes and might be a more realistic and achievable target for some.' But, they add, the study should be interpreted 'in light of its limitations'; the small number of studies available for most outcomes, a lack of age-specific analysis and biases at the individual study level. Can you build fitness from walking alone? Walking has previously been dismissed by some as lacking the intensity needed to generate tangible health benefits for the masses. But this latest research shows it to be 'meaningful movement that can improve a wide range of health outcomes', says Aguiar. This is particularly true for those currently leading a sedentary lifestyle – the move from zero exercise to even a small amount of consistent exercise will likely have a dramatic effect. But is walking alone enough to represent a comprehensive fitness plan? The WHO's physical activity guidelines, mirrored by the NHS, recommend adults do 'at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week, 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity activity, or an equivalent combination of the two'. The NHS also says adults should aim to 'do strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups – legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms – at least two days a week'. 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But if you swap your walk for a cycle and fall short of your daily step goal as a result, this isn't something to get hung up on. Your body has still enjoyed a workout, and your heart and lungs are likely to enjoy a similar stimulus from the two activities – all movement counts. The trick is to find an individualised approach that makes you feel good and allows consistent movement to become a habitual part of your life.
Daily Record
2 hours ago
- Daily Record
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