Scientists are warning of new Covid variant that could become the dominant type.

The XEC variant was identified in Germany in June and cases have since emerged in the UK.

It has now been found in 15 countries across three continents.

Experts say the strain is now 'taking charge' and has some new mutations that might help it spread this autumn.

However, the latest rates of cases of Covid-19 in Oxfordshire show that numbers of cases are low and have fallen.

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The figures show that the number of coronavirus cases per 100,000 people in the seven days up to and including September 11 was 2.2 compared with 2.81 the week before.

For comparison, the figure for England in the seven days up to and including September 4 2024 was 1,587.

There has been an increase of 65 (4.3 per cent) compared to the previous seven days.

Figures were updated on the government's UKHSA coronavirus dashboard.

People in Oxfordshire who are eligible for annual winter flu and Covid jabs are being encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

The flu vaccine is available for free to all pregnant women, children aged two to three or in primary and secondary education, anybody in a clinical risk group – such as those with diabetes, heart disease or a weakened immune system and their close contacts – people who live in care homes, carers, frontline health and social care workers, and all those over the age of 65.

Those residents in care homes for older people, all adults aged 65 or over, anybody in a clinical risk group and frontline health and social care workers, including staff working in care homes for older people, can also get a free Covid booster.

Ansaf Azhar, Oxfordshire County Council’s Director for Public Health, said: “While flu and Covid is often just an unpleasant inconvenience, they can be dangerous and even life-threatening for some people, particularly those with certain health conditions. 

"Getting the vaccine not only gives you extra protection but also protects your loved ones and those you work with."