Covid: 75 more cases of Omicron confirmed in England
A total of 75 further cases of the Covid-19 Omicron variant have been identified in England, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said.
It brings the total number of confirmed cases in England to at least 104 - with some of the newest cases not linked to travel, and instead caught within the community.
The individuals who have tested positive, and their contacts, have been asked to self-isolate, and work is under way to identify any links to travel.
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Cases have now been identified in the East Midlands, East of England, London, North East, North West, South East, South West and West Midlands.
Wales reported its first case of the Omicron variant on Friday, while the number of confirmed instances in Scotland rose to at least 29.
On Friday new confirmed Covid cases in the UK topped 50,000 for the second day in a row.
It comes as a date was set for the start of the UK's accelerated Covid booster jab.
From December 13 those double-vaccinated at least three months ago will be able to book their third dose.
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Commenting after the latest new Omicron cases Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive, said: “We have started to see cases where there are no links to travel, suggesting that we have a small amount of community transmission.
"That’s why it’s so important that everybody, everywhere, takes simple steps to protect themselves from infection.
"Please wear face coverings in line with government guidance, let in fresh air when mixing indoors and wash your hands regularly. “Vaccination is critical to help us bolster our defences against this new variant so please get your first, second, third or booster jab as soon as you are eligible to protect yourself, your families and your communities.”
Earlier this week the country brought in new restrictions as a result of the variant - with face coverings now mandatory once again in England in shops and public transport.