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Irish Daily Mirror

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

The countdown to Oasis in Dublin is well and truly underway. More than 160,000 fans will pack into Croke Park this weekend for two sold-out shows of the Live 25 reunion tour. Liam Gallagher and Noel Gallagher will take to the stage on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17, performing iconic hits like 'Wonderwall' and 'Don't Look Back in Anger' - songs fans haven't heard live since their infamous fallout 16 years ago. But with just five days to go, concertgoers are being warned that Covid is still circulating. Last week, Ireland's health officials recorded 453 new cases, with the latest XFG variant - also called Stratus - accounting for over 66% of all infections. Interestingly, one of XFG's key symptoms is a hoarse or raspy voice - similar to frontman Liam, who has battled laryngitis and throat issues in the past. The virus has also been circulating at London's Wembley Stadium, where Oasis performed five nights. Ahead of the band's Edinburgh shows, experts recommended pandemic-style safety measures to keep fans protected. Akash Sood from Knightswood Pharmacy advised: "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." At Wembley, fans were met with warnings about Covid risks, including a notice reminding attendees of the contagious nature of the virus and urging social distancing. The sign read: "You acknowledge the contagious and potentially dangerous nature of Covid-19 and that the government and many public health authorities recommend social distancing. 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." One unusual symptom of the Stratus variant is the early onset of hoarseness or a scratchy voice, which some people experience before classic Covid symptoms appear. This subtle sign could easily be missed - especially after singing along to Oasis all night - allowing the virus to spread before people even realise they're infected. Dr Kaywaan Khan, a Harley Street GP and Founder of Hannah London Clinic, told Cosmopolitan UK that "one of the most noticeable symptoms of the Stratus variant is hoarseness, which includes a scratchy or raspy voice." Ireland's public health guidelines remain the same: If you have any symptoms of Covid, stay at home until 48 hours after the symptoms are mostly or fully gone. You should also avoid contact with other people, especially people at higher risk from Covid. The HSE is reminding the public of the wide range of Covid symptoms to look out for. These include: fever (high temperature - 38C or above) - including having chills dry cough fatigue (tiredness) loss or change to your sense of smell or taste – this could mean they're completely gone or just different to normal nasal congestion (runny or blocked nose) conjunctivitis (also known as red eye or pink eye) sore throat headache muscle or joint pain (aches and pains) different types of skin rash nausea or vomiting diarrhoea chills dizziness shortness of breath or breathing difficulties loss of appetite confusion pain or pressure in the chest. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.