Two cases of a new coronavirus mutation first found in the Philippines have been recorded in England.
It is not currently known where the cases have been found in the country or whether the variant is more infectious than previous strains.
While one of the two cases has been linked to international travel, the other has not, raising the prospect of infections within the community.
The strain has the E484K spike protein found in the Brazil mutation, which some fear may render vaccines less effective.
In a statement, Public Health England said: "The variant includes a number of notable mutations including E484K and N501Y, which are found in several other variants of concern.
"Public Health England has identified two cases of this variant in England. One of the cases is linked with international travel and the other is currently under investigation.
"All appropriate public health interventions are being undertaken."
Late last month cases of the new mutant Covid strain were found in an infected traveller who arrived in Japan from the Philippines, according to health officials.
The man in his 60s was asymptomatic when he arrived in Narita Airport near Tokyo on February 25.
He tested positive for Covid-19 during mandatory quarantine, authorities say.
Japanese health officials said this coronavirus variant is "distinct" from those discovered in Brazil, South Africa, and the UK – but it is believed it could pose a similar threat to variants that are more deadly and contagious than the original strain.
This variety may be better equipped to neutralise antibodies – including those gained from vaccination – as the South African and Brazilian variants appear to be, the Japan Times reports.
So far the Philippines government has been cautious to overstate how much of an impact the variant could have.
“At present, the P.3 is not identified as a variant of concern as current available data are insufficient to conclude whether the variant will have significant public health implications,” the ministry said.
The Philippines, which has a population of 108 million, has recorded 12,000 Covid deaths and 627,000 cases.
