Cases of the Omicron variant in the UK are continuing to rise with another 26 reported today.
The Health Security Agency (HSA) said 25 of the new cases are in England while one is in Scotland.
It brings the total number across the UK to 160, after 75 new cases were detected yesterday.
Cases have now been identified in East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West and West Midlands, as well as parts of Scotland and Wales.
Those who test positive with Omicron are being asked to self-isolate for 10 days, with targeted testing underway in areas where there have been outbreaks.
Scientists have described the variant as the ‘most worrying ever’ because of its ability to evade immunity from vaccines or prior infection.
Countries around the world have imposed temporary restrictions while more work is underway to assess the new strain.
HSA chief executive Dr Jenny Harries said: ‘We are working as fast as possible to gather more evidence about any impact the new variant may have on severity of disease or vaccine effectiveness.
‘Until we have this evidence, we must exercise the highest level of caution in drawing conclusions about any significant risks to people’s health.’
The new cases come as more travel restrictions were announced in a bid to stop the strain spreading.
Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced that all travellers arriving in England will be required to take a Covid-19 pre-departure test – while Nigeria is being added to the government’s travel red list.
Mr Javid said the government had decided to move after receiving new data about the spread of Omicron, which emerged in southern Africa.
‘Since we have learned of this new variant our strategy has been to buy time. We have always said we will act swiftly should new data require it,’ he told broadcasters.
‘Over recent days we have learned of a significant number of growing cases linked to travel with Nigeria.
‘There are 27 cases already in England and that’s growing. Nigeria now is second only to South Africa in terms of linked cases to Omicron.’
The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) later said the correct figure was 21.
The Scottish and Welsh governments said they were both adopting similar controls.
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