Two cases of the new Covid-19 variant have been identified in the UK, according to the health secretary.
Sajid Javid said that the cases of the Omicron variant were linked and that there is a connection with travel to southern Africa.
The individuals involved are self-isolating and further testing and contact tracing is taking place, he added.
The two cases of the variant have been discovered in Chelmsford and in Nottingham, the Department of Health & Social Care said.
“The UK Health Security Agency is carrying out targeted testing at locations where the positive cases were likely to have been infectious,” the department said.
“In response to the developing situation, the UK is taking decisive action to protect public health. Confirmed cases and contacts are being followed up and requested to isolate and get tested as necessary.”
Mr Javid said surge testing will now be carried out in the communities impacted by the new variant.
He said: "We will do all we can to protect the UK public against this emerging threat and that is why we are surging testing capacity to the impacted communities and introducing travel restrictions on a further four countries: Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola. We will not hesitate to take further action if required.
“This is a stark reminder that we are not yet out of this pandemic.
“Getting the vaccine has never been more important – please come forward for your first jab if you haven’t already and if eligible, book your booster as soon as possible.”
Boris Johnson will hold a press conference at 5pm today.
