It is what is known as “recombinant”. Experts at UKHSA say it is too early to know if it is more contagious than previous versions of the virus. The body said 637 XE cases had been detected in the UK by 22 March. That would make only a fraction of the tens of thousands of total cases reported each day at this time, the Independent reported. The UKHSA said the initial growth rates for XE were not very different from BA.2. However, more recent data, as of March 16, showed a rate of almost 10 percent above BA.2, which was named “Stealth” Omicron. He said that “as this estimate did not remain consistent as new data were added, it can not yet be interpreted as an estimate of the growth advantage for the recombinant”. “The numbers were too small to analyze the recombinant XE by region,” the UKHSCA said. Professor Susan Hopkins, UKHSA Chief Medical Advisor, said the recombinant variants were not uncommon. He added that they usually died quickly. “This particular recombinant, XE, has shown a variable growth rate and we can not yet confirm whether it has a real growth advantage,” said Hopkins. The sun . “So far there is not enough evidence to draw conclusions about the contagion, severity or effectiveness of the vaccine.” The UKHSA report added: “XE shows evidence of Community transmission within the UK, although it is currently less than 1 per cent of the total cases followed.” With no legal restrictions in place in England and no removal requirements for self-isolation, there has been a record number of people sticking to Covid in recent weeks. The National Statistics Office said one in 13 people – or 4.9 million – had the virus in the week ended March 26, up from 4.3 million last week. Read more related articles Read more related articles
