Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Thirteen cases of Omicron variant NB.1.8.1 have now been recorded across England, according to the UKHSA

I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice

The first cases of a new Covid-19 variant have been detected in England as the virus spreads across Britain, the UK’s health agency has confirmed

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said 13 cases of Covid strain NB.1.8.1 had been recorded in England, with “small numbers” detected across the UK.