A new map shows UK residents how many Covid Arcturus cases are in their local area as the subvariant spreads across the UK.
As of April 17, there are just five confirmed cases across Scotland, however there are more than 100 in the UK.
The condition has previously caused some states in India to reintroduce mask restrictions, and has now taken five lives in the UK, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA).
The fast-spreading strain, also known as Covid XBB.1.16, has at least 135 cases across the UK but the true figure is likely much higher.
The UKHSA previously confirmed to The Mirror that it entered the country from abroad, and it is now known to be present in at least 34 countries.
Arcturus cases across the UK
- London 31
- North West 22
- East of England 10
- South East 19
- Wales 8
- West Midlands 6
- Scotland 5
- East Midlands 4
- South West 3
- Northern Ireland 2
- Yorkshire & the Humber 1
- North East 0
- Unknown 9
The five UK deaths were all reported in England, and according to a UK Government report, the Arcturus variant was at a "low prevalence" in the UK.
However, they have warned that there was "early evidence of "growth advantage", suggesting it could yet spread further.
The officials added: "There are insufficient data to comment on severity. Based on the available epidemiological and laboratory data, it is unclear whether this growth will be replicated in the population immunity landscape of the UK."
Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director, UKHSA said: "It is not unexpected to see new variants of SARS-CoV-2 emerge. UKHSA continues to analyse all available data relating to SARS-CoV-2 variants in the UK and abroad and is monitoring the situation closely.
"XBB.1.16 currently accounted for 2.3% of UK sequences between 3 April and 9 April. It is not currently designated a variant of concern.
"Vaccination remains our best defence against future COVID-19 waves, so it is still as important as ever that people come take up all the doses for which they are eligible as soon as possible."
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