New COVID-19 Variant Linked To Rise In UK Hospital Admissions: What We Know

UK hospitals are reporting an increase in COVID-19 activity as the XFG variant of SARS-CoV-2 continues to circulate. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) data cited in reports indicates that the proportion of hospital samples testing positive for COVID-19 has risen from 5.9% to 7%. The weekly hospital admission rate has also increased from 0.81 to 1.20 per 100,000 people, representing a rise of about 48%.

London has recorded the largest regional increase, with its COVID-19 hospital admission rate rising by 79%. The increase has also been particularly noticeable among people aged over 85, with the admission rate for that age group increasing from 7.08 to 12.43 per 100,000. Despite the rise in hospital activity, health authorities have stressed that overall COVID-19 levels remain relatively low.

More than half of the sequenced positive samples in England are reportedly linked to XFG. However, the UKHSA has said there is currently no evidence that the variant causes more severe illness than other circulating strains. Consultant epidemiologist Alex Allen said COVID-19 activity had increased recently but remained at low levels, adding that the agency was continuing to monitor variants in Britain and internationally.

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The XFG variant is a recombinant form of SARS-CoV-2 that emerged from two earlier Omicron subvariants, LF.7 and LP.8.1.2. According to the World Health Organization, the earliest documented XFG sample dates to January 27, 2025, while the variant was classified as a variant under monitoring in June 2025. It has subsequently been identified in multiple countries and continues to be monitored by health authorities.

Symptoms associated with XFG are broadly similar to those reported with other recent COVID-19 variants and can include sore throat, cough, fatigue and fever. Because testing has declined substantially compared with the peak pandemic years, reported cases may not represent the full level of infections in the community. Health authorities are therefore continuing to assess hospitalisation and surveillance data alongside variant trends.

The UKHSA has indicated that XFG has been circulating for around a year and that the autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme is intended to provide protection against XFG and related variants. Eligible groups, including older adults and other people considered vulnerable to severe illness, are being encouraged to receive vaccination. Officials continue to monitor the variant while emphasising that the current increase in activity does not, at present, indicate a return to pandemic-era conditions.

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