The UK health minister, Edward Argar, has said he expects cases of the new Omicron Covid variant to rise after a number of infections were confirmed in England. New restrictions are being imposed this week in an attempt to limit the spread of the variant, first identified in South Africa, which scientists fear could be highly transmissible and evade some vaccine protections. Argar reiterated comments that ministers were hopeful that 'swift, precautionary steps' would mean no extra measures would be needed to combat the new variant.

Subscribe to Guardian News on YouTube ► http://bit.ly/guardianwiressub

Six Omicron cases found in Scotland as ministers resist calls for tougher rules ► https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/nov/29/six-cases-of-covid-omicron-variant-found-in-scotland

Coronavirus live news ► https://www.theguardian.com/politics/live/2021/nov/29/uk-covid-live-omicron-cases-england-scotland-health-minister-vaccines-coronavirus-latest-update

The Guardian publishes independent journalism, made possible by supporters. Contribute to The Guardian today ► https://bit.ly/3uhA7zg

Website ► https://www.theguardian.com
Facebook ►https://www.facebook.com/theguardian
Twitter ► https://twitter.com/guardian
Instagram ► https://instagram/guardian