The map shows rates of new Covid variants where you live as hospital admissions rise

Scientists have sounded the alarm about a new variant of Covid that is leading to increased hospital admissions in the UK. Our new map shows infection rates where you live.

The KP.3 variant appeared in early April and belongs to a new group of COVID-19 variants, collectively known as FLiRT, which now account for a large proportion of cases. In the week to June 12, cases rose by 7.8%, with 2,053 people reporting contracting the virus. Covid deaths rose by 26.4% in the week to June 7, rising from 110 to 139.

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The highest rate of hospital admissions for confirmed COVID-19 continues to be in those over 85, rising to 34.70 per 100,000 after a brief period of declines. However, increases also occurred for those aged 65 to 74, those aged 75 to 84 and most younger age groups.

Declining immunity in the general population has been considered a reason for the spread of the variant and, wWhile recorded infections are lower than in previous spring, winter and autumn, UKHSA figures show the proportion of positive test results among people suspected of having Covid rose by 19% in one week, from 8.4 % to 10%.

Professor Steve Griffin, from Leeds University, said: “Another wave (of Covid) is building. He labeled the increase in hospitalizations as worrying, especially as the use of the spring booster for the vulnerable was lower than in 2023. He added: “There is a considerable difference between the current vaccines and the circulating viruses.”

You can view cases of the variant where you live using the interactive map below.