Mask up in public, says health expert

New strain of covid causes concern and cases of flu on rise

- SOPHIE HALLE-RICHARD

HEALTH leaders are urging people to wear face masks as concern mounts over a new strain of covid and the rising number of flu cases.

The latest covid strain, called XXB.1.5, is causing concern in the US, where it's projected to be making up 40.5 percent of Covid-19 cases nationally. Doctors in the UK have warned that the variant is already linked to one in 25 cases.

The M.E.N has spoken to a health expert in Manchester to understand what's causing the spike in sickness rates and the latest advice on what to do if you fall ill.

Manchester's Director of Public Health, David Regan, said despite the new Covid-19 variant, he and his colleagues are currently more concerned about cases of flu.

Over 470 patients were admitted to hospitals in Greater Manchester with flu in the latest seven-day period, a number Mr Regan has warned is 'very high' compared to normal flu seasons.

"In the lead up to Christmas we saw an increase in covid-related admissions and people with covid in intensive care but as much pressure from covid on our hospital system as flu," he said.