A city doctor has shared advice after a new Covid variant was found in the UK.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed the XBB.1.16 strain, known as Arcturus, is present in the UK.

Dr Jason Seewoodhary, a Worcester GP based at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, has warned the country is not in an ideal situation to face another wave of infection.

He said: “It’s possible we may see another wave of infection but with the reduced level of testing and surveillance in the UK coupled with waning immunity and the removal of social distancing measures and use of face masks, we are not ideally suited to managing another wave of infection.

“Arcturus has mutations on its spike protein that the WHO says makes it more contagious but there is no evidence it increases severity of disease.

“However, a rise in cases could put health services under pressure compounded by the effects of the four-day junior doctor strike.”

READ MORE: New Covid variant which forced face mask rules in India found in UK

Dr Seewoodhary added: “Early data suggest 'Arcturus' does not have any increased ability to evade protection from vaccines compared to other Omicron strains.

“Omicron-targeted booster vaccines will provide some protection and I would urge those who are eligible (the over 75s and clinically vulnerable) to get their booster vaccines.

“The anti-Covid drug Paxlovid will continue to work as an effective treatment.

“Patients with symptoms of infection, which are very similar to those of the flu, should seek medical advice.”

According to the UKHSA there are currently less than 100 cases in the country.

The Arcturus variant is a sub-variant of Omicron and has led to the Indian government reintroducing prevention measures, including face masks.

The strain was first identified on January 23 this year and was designated a variant under monitoring by March 22.

There were almost 8,000 new cases in the country on Wednesday, though the country’s federal government said there was no evidence of an increase in hospitalisations or deaths.

Maria Van Kerkhove, the World Health Organisation's technical lead for COVID-19 response, said: "Omicron is the variant of concern that remains dominant worldwide and there's still more than 600 sublineages in circulation.”

"One of the variants that we are looking at, is the variant that we have under monitoring. This is the XBB.1.16.

"It's very similar in profile to XBB.1.5. But has one additional mutation in the spike protein which in lab studies shows increased infectivity as well potential increased pathogenicity. So it's one that we are monitoring. It has potential changes that we need to keep a good eye on."