Little is known about the new version of the virus, though it is believed to have an up to 27 per cent growth advantage over BA.2, the Omicron subvariant currently dominant in the UK.
UK Health Security Agency bosses today posted another 26,147 positive swabs over the last 24 hours - the lowest figure in two months and a quarter fewer than last week.
Speaking to Sky News, the UK Health Secretary said: No, I ve got no interest in mandatory vaccinations, apart from in high-risk settings in the NHS and social care .
West Northamptonshire is at the centre of England s Covid outbreak, official figures reveal today. But eight of ten areas with the most cases are in London.
The beleaguered booster drive was dealt a fresh blow today as over 40s which were only yesterday urged to come forward for their booster were turned away by staff contrary to official NHS guidance.