Health secretary Matt Hancock has revealed that new variants of Covid have been found in Liverpool and Bristol.
Mr Hancock revealed the new 'mutations of concern' as he said testing had now begun to track down South Africa Covid cases in eight areas.
Mr Hancock said: “In those areas where this variant has been found – parts of Broxbourne, London, Maidstone and Southport, Walsall and Woking – we’re putting in extra testing and sequencing every positive test.
“Working with local authorities we’re going door to door to test everyone in those areas and mobile testing units will be deployed offering PCR tests to people who have to leave their home for work or other essential reasons.
“We have also seen 11 cases of mutations of concern in Bristol and 32 in Liverpool, and are taking the same approach. In all these areas it is imperative that people must stay at home and only leave home where it is absolutely essential.”
Earlier today it was revealed the Kent variant had mutated to take on attributes of the South Africa strain which make it harder for the vaccine to combat.
