New variant of the coronavirus spreads: Germany records an increase in new cases
Germany is witnessing an increase in COVID-19 cases, with health authorities reporting a continuous rise since the end of August. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), 2,396 new infections were recorded in the 37th week of 2025, compared to 2,153 cases in the previous week. Experts expect this upward trend to continue until the end of September.
Alongside the coronavirus, cases of acute respiratory infections are also rising among all age groups. Although many seek medical help due to mild symptoms such as sore throat and cough, serious cases requiring hospitalization remain rare. This indicates that the virus is spreading, but it has not yet led to a new widespread epidemic.
This increase is attributed to a new variant known as XFG or "Stratos". Data from the Robert Koch Institute indicates that 84% of the samples analyzed carried this strain, making it the dominant form in Germany. Just a few weeks ago, its proportion did not exceed 65% of cases. The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that the "Stratos" variant is more transmissible, but it does not appear to cause more severe diseases.
At the same time, other seasonal viruses are spreading, including rhinoviruses and parainfluenza viruses. Experts say this pattern is common after the summer holiday, when people return to schools, offices, and public places.
Doctor and journalist Christoph Schpecht explained that this increase was expected. He pointed out that the coronavirus will remain a part of our daily lives and compared the current situation to common seasonal illnesses. He told German media: "Our immunity is now stronger, and the symptoms we mostly see are mild – a hoarse voice, a sore throat, similar to a cold."
Hospitals have not recorded a significant increase in COVID-19 patient admissions, but experts warn that the simultaneous spread of influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 this fall could double the pressure on the healthcare system. Authorities recommend taking basic precautions, especially for the most vulnerable groups, such as wearing masks in crowded places. Shabkht confirmed that there is no need to panic: "COVID-19 is no longer something exceptional – if we are afraid of it, we should also be afraid of the many other viruses that spread in the fall and winter."