A new Covid-19 subvariant of Delta is beginning to spread across the UK, new figures have shown.
This subvariant of the Delta strain, known as AY.4.2 or "Delta Plus", now accounts for over 12% of newly reported cases.
That represents just under a 3% daily growth.
"Delta Plus" has also been detected in Ireland, however so far the symptoms appear to be the same as the original Delta variant.
However, this new subvariant appears to be a more transmissible strain of the virus and so is likely to spread quicker.
There is no evidence that "Delta Plus" is more effective at breaching the protection from Covid-19 vaccines.
Most recent reports showed 104 cases of "Delta Plus" detected in Ireland.
The subvariant has been detected in 42 countries.
When the variant was first identified in Ireland, the Chief Medical Officer said it was not a variant of concern as of yet.
Speaking on Today with Claire Byrne back in October, Dr Holohan said: "We haven't got a lot of evidence on it yet. There isn't a conclusion on it being more transmissible as of yet.
"We've had a small number of cases here. It's being tracked. We are not alarmed or concerned at this moment as the vaccines are holding it down for now."
Have your say on the latest restrictions below, or click here.
To get the latest breaking news straight to your inbox, sign up for our free newsletter.
