Scientists have identified a new Covid variant, XEC, which was first detected in Germany in June.

Since then, cases have been reported in the UK, US, Denmark, and several other countries.

This variant has some new mutations that might help it spread more easily this autumn, although vaccines should still help prevent severe cases, according to experts.

The vaccines have been updated to better match recent variants, although not specifically for XEC, which has emerged from earlier Omicron subvariants.

Prof.

Francois Balloux, Director of the Genetics Institute at University College London, told BBC News that although XEC has a slight transmission advantage over other recent Covid variants, vaccines should still offer good protection.

Eric Topol, Director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in California, says XEC is just getting started and it will take many weeks, or a couple of months, before it really takes hold and starts to cause a wave, as he told the LA Times.

There is far less routine testing than before, making it difficult to know how much Covid might be around.

Dr.

Gayatri Amirthalingam, UKHSA Deputy Director, said it is normal and expected for viruses to genetically change over time.

UKHSA continues to monitor all available information relating to emerging Covid variants in the UK and internationally, and to publish their data regularly.

Vaccination provides the best protection against serious illness from Covid-19, and they urge those who are contacted by the NHS to come forward to receive their autumn vaccine.

A number of High Street chemists and private clinics sell and administer Covid vaccines directly to the public.

Routine Covid testing is not recommended, but people can buy a test to carry out at home for around £2 from High Street and online chemists.

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