New Covid strain warning as UK health agency issues 'avoid contact' adviceThe Stratus strain, which has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, currently accounts for a larger proportion of infections than any other and can be identified by its unique symptom of a hoarse voiceView Image The new strain of Covid currently accounts for the highest proportion of infections in the UK (Image: Getty)People infected with a new and contagious strain of Covid have been urged to "avoid contact" with vulnerable people and stay home if possible, as cases surge across the UK. ‌The Stratus strain, which has two variants, XFG and XFG.3, currently makes up a larger proportion of infections than any other and can be recognised by its distinctive symptom of a hoarse voice. ‌The World Health Organisation (WHO) has classified it as a "variant under monitoring" but said the public health risk it presents remains low at the global level. According to UKHSA data, the overall hospital admission rate for Covid rose from 2 per 100,000 to 2.73 per 100,000 this week. According to existing evidence, the WHO has stated that the Covid vaccines currently available on the NHS do provide effective treatment for the Stratus variant.