COVID‑19 Update: Canada Positivity Rises; UK Sets 5‑Day Guidance for Adults
Scan the latest numbers and use quick tools. Variant notes cover Stratus (XFG) and Nimbus (NB.1.8.1). Guidance cards summarise testing, isolation and vaccination in simple steps.
Situation Snapshot
Weekly figures are included for a quick read. Use the tabs below for symptoms, variants, and a planner.
Canada: Test Positivity
Detections (Canada)
Outbreaks linked to COVID
Resp. Hospitalization Rate
Note
Quick Tools
Each tab includes a short explainer so readers can use the tool without guesswork.
Select your group and symptoms. A simple summary appears below based on current guidance.
Stratus and Nimbus are shorthand names used in public discussion. The technical lineage labels are XFG (and XFG.3) and NB.1.8.1.
- Stratus (XFG lineage): noted as widespread in the UK in late September 2025; early sign often a hoarse or gravelly voice; vaccines are expected to protect against severe disease.
- Nimbus (NB.1.8.1): classified as a Variant Under Monitoring; very painful sore throat frequently reported; gastrointestinal symptoms have been described; severity appears similar to other Omicron-lineage variants.
This summary mirrors current seasonal advice. For personal circumstances, local guidance and clinicians remain the right route.
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Short Read
Canada’s surveillance report lists 11.4% positivity with 2,799 detections and a weekly respiratory hospitalization rate of 1.7 per 100,000. In recent weeks, 97% of lab‑confirmed respiratory viral outbreaks were linked to COVID‑19. UK advice notes adults should stay home for 5 days after a positive test; under‑18s for 3 days, and 10 days before seeing vulnerable people.
Context on Karmactive: NHS winter vaccination campaign, Stratus variant overview, Nimbus variant update, pressure on hospitals, and spring booster slots.
Further reading (site)
External reference post: CTV News update (post).
In Short
The figures, variant notes, and guidance were listed for quick reference. Isolation durations were summarized and vaccination timing was outlined.
