The number of confirmed cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus is rising in the UK each day. Boris Johnson said the new strain of coronavirus, which was first identified in South Africa, appears to be “more transmissible” than the Delta strain.
Scientists have predicted that the variant will overtake Delta as the dominant variant in the UK in a matter of weeks. However, experts have said it is still too early to determine the severity of the disease the new strain causes, and that more data is needed to determine its impact on the pandemic. READ MORE: 'Three to four confirmed or highly probable Omicron cases in Manchester', says public health boss In the meantime, the UK government is tightening up its rules around testing and travel