New Omicron variant ‘likely to become dominant strain’ as 1,179 UK cases detected

“Again the early signs from elsewhere are that it’s not causing any more serious illness and that the vaccine is protecting people. 

“So even though it will most likely become dominant it hopefully won’t cause any significant problems.”

XE is a combination of the Omicron strains BA.1, which was dominant over Christmas, and the currently dominant BA.2.

Omicron strains of Covid have so far been milder than those that have come before, with hospitalisation rates much lower in those infected with it.

The vaccines work against Omicron, but the initial two-dose course is not enough, health officials warn.

A booster is essential to keep immunity topped-up, and now, the most vulnerable are being told to take up their spring booster invite.

XE is known as a recombinant variant, which is when the genetics of two strains jumble together to create a new version.

The UKHSA said in early April current estimates are that XE spreads 12.6 per cent faster than the current strain BA.2.

There was evidence that XE was in circulation among England’s population, with most cases in London and the East and South East.

Health chiefs said they would continue to monitor the variant and did not have any conclusions about its disease severity.

But it did not publish its usual weekly variant investigation report on Friday - the start of the Bank Holiday.

XE is one of four new Covid variants that have been spotted in the UK and Europe that health chiefs are watching closely.

It comes after 116,227 Covid cases covering the four-day weekend, and today, were announced.

While the Government figure is high, it would indicate infections are getting lower.

The daily average is 23,000 cases against last Thursday’s 32,600.

Meanwhile, 482 new fatalities were tragically recorded in the past five days.

Other Covid case collection data suggest the UK is moving towards the end of the latest Omicron wave.

Sajid Javid said the rise in infections last month was to be expected after restrictions were lifted, and the Government wasn't concerned due to Omicron causing a milder illness.

The huge drop in falling official cases coincided with the scrapping of free tests last month.

With only high-risk groups now able to get a free Covid test, there are less confirmed infections. 

However, Covid cases had already started to tumble before testing was scaled back.

Infection surveys also show a stabilising of Covid rates, but at a significantly high rate, nonetheless.