Swiss Covid experts are urging the public to start wearing face masks once more, just three years since the Covid-19 pandemic was officially declared over. The recommendation comes amid rising Covid cases across the UK, with health officials anticipating a surge in viral infections throughout the winter months.

Immunologists in Switzerland have stressed that wearing a face mask remains an effective way to reduce the transmission of viruses such as Covid. While the guidance is primarily aimed at those most at risk of developing severe illness from viral infections, including elderly people or those with weakened immune systems, experts have also indicated that people who aren't considered vulnerable may choose to wear a mask as well.

At the height of the pandemic in the UK, the government introduced compulsory rules on wearing face coverings in specific public areas where the danger of transmitting the virus was greatest. These included shops, supermarkets, public transport, and NHS facilities.

Tanja Stadler, an epidemiologist at ETH Zurich and chairwoman of the Swiss Confederation's Covid scientific task force, told SonntagsZeitung: "In crowded, enclosed spaces, such as public transportation, it's advisable for vulnerable people - those over 65 or those with compromised immune systems. Even those who aren't vulnerable can protect themselves from troublesome infections and, at the same time, show solidarity with others."

Tanja stressed, though, that she isn't calling on respective governments to impose another compulsory face mask mandate like the one implemented during the height of the pandemic. Instead, she suggested authorities should establish a 'virus bulletin' to help notify people of potential virus hotspots.

She continued: "Data on the spread of viruses already exists, but it's not easily accessible to the public. Making it available would help those who want to protect themselves act accordingly."

Likewise, Marcel Tanner, a professor emeritus of public health at the University of Basel and a former member of the Covid Task Force, said: "After everything we've learned, it would be logical for anyone with a cold to wear a mask, at least on public transportation."

The current Covid situation in the UK

Based on the most recent figures from the UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA), from October 3, there has been a substantial rise in Covid cases per week. In the week ending September 24, there were 2,459 newly confirmed cases.

Meanwhile, by September 10, there was a 7.6 per cent spike in cases across England compared to the previous week. The majority of these fresh cases are being fuelled by the new Stratus strain of Coronavirus, which has two variants - XFG and XFG. 3.

The new variant has been flagged for potentially causing a significantly severe hoarse voice, in addition to the usual symptoms such as fever and fatigue.

However, experts have emphasised that current data does not suggest this variant is any more deadly than other variants currently in circulation.

Dr Allen from the UKHSA stated: "Based on the available information so far, there is no evidence to suggest that the XFG and XFG.3 variants cause more severe disease than previous variants, or that the vaccines in current use will be less effective against them."

In the meantime, the World Health Organisation has classified the XFG strand as posing a 'low risk' globally. It said: "XFG is growing rapidly compared to co-circulating variants globally. However, XFG exhibits only marginal additional immune evasion over [other variant] LP.8.1.

"While there are reported increases in cases and hospitalisations in some of the [southeast Asia region] countries, which has the highest proportion of XFG, there are no reports to suggest that the associated disease severity is higher as compared to other circulating variants.

"The available evidence on XFG does not suggest additional public health risks relative to the other currently circulating Omicron descendant lineages."