Arcturus: New Covid variant found in UK as India brings back compulsory masks

The  ‘Arcturus’ Covid variant, formally known as the Omicron sub-variant XBB.1.16, has seen a recent surge in infections in India and now, it has been found in the UK. The XBB.1.16 strain is causing havoc in India where cases have soared 13-fold in the past month.

Due to the rise in infections, India’s health ministry launched mock drills this week to see if hospitals can deal with a possible increase in patients following the rise in cases. Compulsory masks in public have also been reintroduced in some states.