Omicron: What do we know about mutation and the risks it poses?

The new Omicron coronavirus variant has shown the “pandemic is far from over”, Sajid Javid has said after three cases were discovered in the UK. Two were linked cases, found in Nottingham and Brentwood, Essex. The two cases are believed to have been contracted in southern Africa, the health secretary told BBC News. Scientists have said they are concerned about the B.1.1.529 variant as it has around 30 different mutations – which is double the number present in the Delta variant.

How else is this new variant different from previous versions, how dangerous is it and when did it first appear?

UK scientists first became aware of the new strain on November 23 after samples were uploaded on to a coronavirus variant tracking website from South Africa, Hong Kong and then Botswana. A total of 59 samples have been uploaded to the website so far.

Three samples are from Hong Kong, three are from Botswana and the rest are from South Africa. On Friday, it was confirmed that cases had been identified in Israel and Belgium and on Saturday, Health Secretary Sajid Javid said two cases had been found in the UK.

What do we know about the cases in the UK?

The first two known cases of Omicron in the UK have been traced back to southern Africa. Updated information from Essex County Council said the cases, which are linked, are in Brentwood and Nottingham and those who tested positive are self-isolating and contact tracing is being carried out.

Mr Javid said targeted testing and sequencing of positive cases in the affected areas will take place.

He said anyone who has travelled to the 10 countries placed on the red travel list – Angola, Mozambique, Malawi, Zambia, South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho, Eswatini, Zimbabwe and Namibia – in the last 10 days must isolate and take a PCR test. He said: “This is a real reminder to us all that this pandemic is far from over. ”

He described the new variant as “deeply concerning”.

Have any countries been put on the red list in relation to Omicron?

Yes. Flights from South Africa, Namibia, Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini and Zimbabwe were suspended from midday on Friday and all six countries have been added to the red list.

On Saturday, Angola, Mozambique, Malawi and Zambia were also placed on the red list.

Mr Javid told the House of Commons on Friday that discussions are ongoing on whether more countries should be added to the list.

How is Omicron different from the other variants?

Despite only being tracked for the past five days, the virus has already been found to have 30 different mutations. The mutations contain features seen in all of the other variants but also traits that have not been seen before.

Will the vaccines protect people against Omicron?

It is too early to say. Work is under way to see whether the new variant may be causing new infection in people who have already had coronavirus or a vaccine, or whether waning immunity may be playing a role.

Scientists first became aware of the variant last week.