Omicron variant in UK: Covid cases in Bracknell

The Omicron variant - initially reported to the World Health Organization from South Africa on Wednesday - has a higher re-infection risk.

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.

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The mutations contain features seen in all of the other variants but also traits that have not been seen before.

And as restrictions on face coverings are reintroduced tomorrow, the latest figures from Public Health England released on Sunday, November 28 for the seven days to November 23, show the number of people who have tested positive for Covid-19 in Bracknell Forest.

To be clear, the Omicron variant has only been detected in three cases, two in Nottingham and Brentwood, Essex, which involved travel connections with South Africa, and a further case of an individual who was visiting the UK.

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The governments Covid interactive map, which can be found here, shows a rise in cases in some areas of Bracknell Forest.

Crowthorne North has 66 cases, a rise of 24 and a case rate of 807.0 per 100,000 people.

Binfield & Popeswood is also reporting an increase in Covid cases with seven up from the previous week.

Here is the breakdown of the figures by MSOA area in Bracknell:

Crowthorne North: 66 cases, up by 24, rate: 807.0

Binfield & Popeswood: 75 cases, up by 7, rate: 685.1

Priestwood: 34 cases, up by 10, rate: 498.6

Bullbrook: 43 cases, up by 14, rate: 413.5

Hanworth West: 43 cases, up by 17, rate: 632.3

Owlsmoor & Broadmoor: 45 cases, up 25, rate: 652.3

College Town: 40 cases, up 23, rate: 532.4

Sandhurst: 54 cases, up by 21, rate: 800.6

Crowthorne South: 30 cases, up by 1, rate: 405.0

Chavey Down & North Ascot West: 28 cases, up by 4, rate: 382.8