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'American Covid' strain drives a near-50% surge in UK hospital admissions as London cases soar by 80 per cent

From the Newshound archive · first published 2 October 2026 · last updated 3 October 2026.

The XFG "Stratus" variant now accounts for more than half of all positive Covid tests in English hospitals, with London recording a 79 per cent spike in admissions in a single week.
The XFG "Stratus" variant now accounts for more than half of all positive Covid tests in English hospitals, with London recording a 79 per cent spike in admissions in a single week.

Hospital admissions for Covid-19 have jumped almost 50 per cent in a single week as the XFG 'American Covid' strain tightens its grip on England. The UKHSA's latest figures show positive hospital tests rising from 5.9 per cent to 7 per cent, with London admissions surging by nearly 80 per cent. Among the over-85s, admission rates have almost doubled from 7.08 to 12.43 per 100,000.

More than half of positive hospital tests are now the XFG 'Stratus' strain, first detected in January 2025.

London GP Dr Renee Hoenderkamp says her patient lists have 'definitely changed' over the past three weeks to those with Covid-like symptoms.

Health officials warn fading immunity and co-circulating flu and RSV this winter could pile fresh pressure on the NHS.

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