The World Health Organisation (WHO) has designated a new sub-variant of the Omicron strain of Coronavirus, known as JN.1, as a "variant of interest" due to its rapid spread globally. Despite the variant's rapid spread, the WHO has assured that the public risk remains low and existing COVID-19 vaccines continue to provide protection.

However, the WHO has cautioned that there could be an increase in COVID-19 cases this winter, alongside other respiratory viruses like the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In the UK, JN.1 accounts for about 7% of positive COVID tests which have been analysed in laboratories.

The WHO's risk assessment indicates that JN.1 might contribute to increased coronavirus cases during the winter surge, particularly in countries entering colder seasons. While there is limited data on JN.1's ability to evade vaccine-induced immunity, there are no indications that it causes more severe illness than previous variants. However, further studies are necessary to assess its health impact fully, as the data on hospital admissions with COVID has significantly declined.

To mitigate the spread of infections and severe disease, the WHO has advised to wear masks in crowded, enclosed spaces, covering coughs and sneezes, regular handwashing, staying up to date with COVID and flu vaccinations (especially for vulnerable groups), staying home if unwell and getting tested for COVID if symptoms appear.