The chief minister has said the government is aware of 22 individuals who have travelled to the island and were in southern Africa in the past 10 days.

Alfred Cannan held a Covid-19 briefing on Sunday evening following the emergence of a new variant, Omicron, that was causing concern.

It was first detected in South Africa and was first reported on Wednesday, November 24.

Mr Cannan said: ’All 22 people have been contacted and those still in the island have agreed to undergo testing.

’The test results we have so far received back are all negative for Covid-19.’

He added: ’Despite rapid action by governments around the world to prevent the spread of Omicron - primarily through travel bans - cases have quickly emerged across the globe, including three cases in the United Kingdom.

’There is much still unknown about this new variant, but there are concerns on its transmissibility and the additional mutations which may have an impact on the vaccine effectiveness.

’The changes in the UK that require arrivals from anywhere in the world to undergo isolation until they receive a negative PCR result will have an impact here on our island. For example, those travelling from outside the Common Travel Area.

Mr Cannan continued: ’Vaccination is important and boosters are extremely important and the UK has also said it will be looking to accelerate its programme.

’The changes announced in the UK are precautionary and are hoped to be temporary in nature.’

The chief minister has said the government is aware of 22 individuals who have travelled to the island and were in southern Africa in the past 10 days.

Alfred Cannan held a Covid-19 briefing on Sunday evening following the emergence of a new variant, Omicron, that was causing concern.

It was first detected in South Africa and was first reported on Wednesday, November 24.

Mr Cannan said: ’All 22 people have been contacted and those still on the island have agreed to undergo testing.

’The test results we have so far received back are all negative for Covid-19.’

He added: ’Despite rapid action by governments around the world to prevent the spread of Omicron - primarily through travel bans - cases have quickly emerged across the globe, including three cases in the United Kingdom.

’There is much still unknown about this new variant, but there are concerns on its transmissibility and the additional mutations which may have an impact on the vaccine effectiveness.

’The changes in the UK that require arrivals from anywhere in the world to undergo isolation until they receive a negative PCR result will have an impact here on our island. For example, those travelling from outside the Common Travel Area.

Mr Cannan continued: ’Vaccination is important and boosters are extremely important and the UK has also said it will be looking to accelerate its programme.

’The changes announced in the UK are precautionary and are hoped to be temporary in nature.’