A new coronavirus variant has been identified in the UK, with 16 confirmed cases.
According to Public Health England (PHE) all of those who have tested positive, along with their contacts, have been told to isolate.
The variant was first picked up on February 15 through genomic horizon scanning. It is believed to have originated in the UK and was designated a variant under investigation, or VUI, on February 24.
New Covid variants emerge regularly and analysis is often carried out to identify which are of concern and which are not.
The latest identified variant, also known as B.1.1.318, contains the E484K mutation. This is found in two other VUIs present in the UK, but it does not feature the N501Y mutation that is present in all variants of concern (VOC), PHE said.
The findings mean there are now four VUIs and four VOCs being tracked by scientists in the UK.
Other VUIs include one from Brazil, known as P2, which has had 43 probable or confirmed cases identified in the UK, but is not causing scientists serious concern.
PHE said that, as of Wednesday, a total of 26 cases of the P2 variant had been found in England where no travel links could be established.
Two further VUIs - dubbed A.23.1 with E484K and B.1.525 - have seen 78 and 86 probable or confirmed UK cases detected respectively. Both were first detected in the UK in December.
