Here is a map showing where all the confirmed Omicron cases in the UK are so far and their distance from you. 

The new strain of Covid-19 has been designated as a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

At the time of writing, there have been five confirmed Omicron cases in England, and six in Scotland.

READ MORE: Covid case rate still higher than average - See the hotspots in Wiltshire

What is the new variant? 

Scientists have said they are concerned about a new strain of coronavirus, the B.1.1.529 variant, as it has 30 different mutations which is double the mutations present in the Delta variant.

The World Health Organisation warned that preliminary evidence suggests the variant has an increased risk of reinfection and may spread more rapidly than other strains.

At the present time, WHO is coordinating studies on the transmissibility, severity of infection (including symptoms), and performance of vaccines in relation to Omicron.

How do scientists detect Omicron?

Omicron can be detected in PCR tests which can be ordered from the government website if you have symptoms, bought and taken before traveling, and taken at test centres. 

These tests are sent to a lab for analysis, and around one third to a half of UK labs have the technology needed to test for variants. 

The swabs from positive PCR tests are sent to a lab for a full genetic analysis which is how the latest variant has been identified in the UK. .

The process can take a couple of weeks, so it is likely there are many more cases of the variant already in the UK. 

When and where was Omicron first identified?

UK scientists first became aware of the new strain on November 23 after samples are uploaded on to a coronavirus variant tracking website from South Africa, Hong Kong and then Botswana.

From November 26 six southern African countries – South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Botswana – are added to the travel red list, meaning flights are suspended.

The first two cases of Omicron were discovered in the UK on November 27, both of which were linked, and Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia and Angola were added to the travel red list.

Where are the Omicron cases in England and how far away are they?

The first case to be confirmed in the UK was detected on Saturday November 20 in Nottingham and is connected to travel in South Africa, where this strain was first detected. 

Nottingham is around 170 miles away from Salisbury.

The second case detected is believed to be linked to the first infection in Nottingham and was detected in Brentwood, Chelmsford, Essex, which is roughly 135 miles away from Salisbury in Wiltshire. 

There will be targeted testing in the areas where the first two cases were found, including in certain schools, according to the Health Secretary.

On Sunday, the third case was detected from an individual who is no longer in the UK but did visit Westminster. 

Today, two more cases have been identified in London from individuals in Wandsworth and Camden boroughs. 

Though the individual cases are not linked, both do have connections to travel from Southern Africa.

London is around 88 miles from Salisbury. 

Of the Scotland cases, four were in the Lanarkshire area and two were identified in the Greater Glasgow and Clyde area.

The 11 people identified to have Omicron so far are self-isolating and have been contacted by NHS Test & Trace who now seek to identify and test other individuals who may be affected. 

Even though these cases are far away for now, travel within the country means that the new strain can spread. 

Speaking in the Commons today, Health Secretary Sajid Javid, said: "We expect cases to rise over the coming days.

"The new variant has also been spreading across the world. Confirmed cases have been reported in many countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Portugal.

"In this race between the vaccines and the virus, the new variant may have given the virus extra legs."

 

What is the WHO's advice?

The World Health Organisation's advice for people to protect themselves from the new strain, as with Covid, is:

  • Keep a physical distance of at least 1 metre from others
  • Wear a well-fitting mask
  • Open windows to improve ventilation
  • Avoid poorly ventilated or crowded spaces
  • Keep hands clean
  • Cough or sneeze into a bent elbow or tissue
  • Get vaccinated when it’s your turn 

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