Mutant coronavirus variant is confirmed in Northern Ireland

The country's Department of Health has confirmed a positive test for the mutant Covid-19 first detected in England.

A new and more infectious strain of coronavirus has been officially confirmed as having spread to Northern Ireland.

The country’s Department of Health has confirmed a positive test for the mutant Covid-19 first detected in England.

Genome analysis had been conducted on a small number of suspected Northern Ireland cases.

One positive result has been returned.

It is understood health officials believe the strain has been in circulation at a low level in Northern Ireland for several weeks.

Health Minister Robin Swann commented: ‘This is sadly the confirmation we had been expecting.

‘As I have stated from the outset of this pandemic, we have to avoid both panic and complacency.

‘We all have to redouble our efforts to stop the virus spreading. We know how to do this – cut down our contacts with others, ensure strict social distancing, wash our hands regularly and thoroughly, and wear a face covering.’

The variant is said to be up to 70% more contagious than others.

It comes as two cases of yet another mutant strain of coronavirus have been detected in the UK.

The new variant mutated in South Africa and is even more transmissible than the other mutant strain currently circulating England.

Matt Hancock told a Downing Street press conference on Wednesday that the two people found to be infected with the new strain and their close contacts are now in quarantine. There are immediate restrictions on travel from South Africa and anyone in the UK who has been in South Africa in the past two weeks – and anyone who has been in close contact with them – must quarantine immediately.

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