COVID-19 appears to be on the rise in some parts of California as a new, highly contagious subvariant — featuring 'razor blade throat' symptoms overseas — is becoming increasingly dominant.

NB.1.8.1, a new COVID-19 variant that has caused concern among WHO officials, is now spreading in America, according to CDC data.

A new Covid variant spreading in the UK may be causing one “very painful” symptom, a doctor has warned. The new Nimbus Covid strain (NB.1.8.1) is now rapidly spreading across the world and is being closely monitored by the World Health Organisation.