UK COVID admissions rise 50% as XFG 'Stratus' variant spreads

UK COVID hospital admissions jumped nearly 50% in a week, driven by the XFG 'Stratus' variant. London saw the sharpest rise at 79%. Older adults over 85 were hit hardest. Experts say severity remains low, with WHO rating XFG's global public health risk as low. No evidence it causes more severe illness.