It is widely believed that the first two cases of the new B.1.1.529 or ‘Omicron’ Covid-19 variant have been identified in the UK.

While confirming the cases health secretary Sajid Javid also said there would be targeted testing in the areas where the cases were found – in Chelmsford and Nottingham.

Two individuals are now self-isolating along with their households.

Speaking on what the governments plan to tackle the new variant would look like Javid said: “We’ve been always very clear that we won’t hesitate to take further action if that is what is required,”

“This is a real reminder that this pandemic is far from over. If there is one thing that everyone can be doing, right now, is if they are eligible, please take your vaccine, whether it’s your first shot, second shot, or your booster jab.”

European states are on high alert with the first case of the variant on the continent discovered in Belgium. England and Wales announced a ban on flights from six countries in southern Africa as of Thursday.