Omicron: First case of new Covid variant confirmed in Bristol

• Watch: Marvin Rees on the Omicron variant in the city

The first case of the Omicron Covid variant has been recorded in Bristol, officials have announced.

Bristol Mayor Marvin Rees says he is working closely with public health experts after the first case of the Omicron variant was confirmed in the city.

It comes days after the variant was confirmed to have been detected in the South West of England.

During a press conference he said it is cause for people in Bristol to be "careful" but not "alarmed" as he urged people to use "good judgement" during the coming weeks.

The city's director of public health and communities Christina Gray said experts now expect to see more cases quickly surface in the city.

She said: “We continue to work closely with UKHSA [UK Health Security Agency] and our local partners to protect the health and safety of local people, however, we should expect to see more cases in quick succession in the coming days and weeks."

She added the advice remains the same for Omicron as it is for the other existing variants and said both PCR and lateral flow tests are picking up infections.

“Please remain cautious and follow the well-known precautionary actions and behaviours including; washing your hands, covering your face, fresh air and ventilation", she said.

“You must wear a face covering, unless you are medically exempt – this is now legally required on public transport, in taxis and in shops and other public settings."

As of December 3, the UKHSA has confirmed 75 cases of the variant have been found in England, some of which were in the South West.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has told ministers the Omicron variant appears to be “more transmissible” than Delta - the current dominant variant in the UK.

However the World Health Organization has said Covid vaccines should still protect people from the worst effects of the new variant.

• Listen to ITV News' coronavirus podcast: