Covid-19 Ireland: New Omicron XE variant 10-20% more transmissible, expert says

The new Omicron XE variant may be 10-20% more transmissible than previous variants, research from the UK suggests.

The only case of the new variant confirmed in the Republic so far was a travel-associated case in February 2022, according to the Department of Health.

In the UK, around 1,000 Omicron XE cases have been identified.