South African variant detected in NI
Health chiefs say three cases found, risk of transmission currently low
Health Minister Robin Swann has confirmed the first cases of the South African variant of Covid-19 have been detected in Northern Ireland.
A detailed health protection risk assessment and contact tracing response was deployed after three confirmed cases.
The risk of transmission has been judged to be low at this time.
Mr Swann said: "I have previously been clear that identification of a confirmed case or cases of this variant in Northern Ireland was inevitable at some point.
"This development does not mean that this variant is going to become the most prevalent or the dominant strain in Northern Ireland.
"However, it does underline once again the very real need for continuing caution in relation to Covid-19.''