Eight more cases of the new Omicron variant of Coronavirus have been confirmed in England, including in the North West. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed the new variant is on the rise with the total number of cases in England now at 13.
Other cases have been confirmed in the East Midlands, East England and London. Read more: It comes alongside an additional nine cases that have been confirmed in Scotland - bringing the UK total to 22.
The UKHSA said: "The individuals that have tested positive and their contacts are all isolating. Work is underway to identify any links to travel to southern Africa." The Omicron variant was first discovered in South Africa on November 9.