Covid-19 variant Omicron identified in Southampton
Health officials have identified four cases in the city
Four cases of the Covid-19 variant Omicron have been confirmed in Southampton.
Debbie Chase, director of public health at Southampton City Council, said: "We are working with the UK Health Security Agency to ensure that all contact tracing takes place and residents do not have to take any specific additional actions following the detection of this variant.
"However we should be vigilant and remember that we all have a role to play in helping to limit the spread of the virus.
"We can do this by continuing to test in line with national guidance, having our vaccinations and booster shots when eligible, wearing masks in crowded places and in shops and on public transport in line with the government guidance, and self-isolating when required to do so.
"Any close contacts of a confirmed case of Omicron must also isolate for 10 days, regardless of their vaccine status or age."
Ninety new cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus have been discovered in the UK, taking the total to 336.
Concerns over the variant have sparked tighted measures which now include mandatory face coverings in shops and on public transport.