A new strain of coronavirus has been detected in the UK - the XE Omicron variant.
While the number of cases of the new strain has not been confirmed yet by officials, the Department of Health says fewer than five have been detected.
This XE variant is a mutation of the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 strains.
Read more: NI health department statement as new XE Covid variant detected in UK
What is XE?
XE is a mutation of the Omicron BA.1 and BA.2 strains and is referred to as a "recombinant".
This happens when two variants meet while multiplying and decided to evolve by sharing genome or characteristics.
Once this occurs, the Mirror reports, a recombinant variant is born.
When was it first detected in the UK?
The variant was first detected in the United Kingdom in January.
How many cases are there in Northern Ireland?
In a statement to Belfast Live on Thursday, the Department of Health said confirmed cases of the XE Omicron variant had not yet been confirmed.
"As of 22 March 2022, there were 763 XE sequences in the UK data," they added.
"As of 22 March 2022, there are 637 XE cases in England.
"Up to 6 April 2022 there have been fewer than 5 provisional or confirmed XE cases identified in Northern Ireland."
What are the symptoms reported with the variant?
Symptoms of the XE Omicron variant include some of the most common Covid symptoms
They include:
- A high temperature or shivering (chills)
- A new, continuous cough
- Shortness of breath
- Feeling tired
- Aches in the body
- Headaches
- Sore throat
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhoea
- Feeling sick or being sick
Most recent Covid figures in Northern Ireland
On Thursday, the Department of Health reported 1,133 positive cases of the virus in the past 24 hours. Five deaths have been reported in that period.
As of today, 3,763,001 vaccines have been administered in total.
Read more: Details of PCR testing changes in NI from April
Read more: Robin Swann says new Health Minister will have 'much work to do'
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