Scientists say they are keeping a close eye on a mutant covid strain as the number of cases rose to more than 600. Latest figures from the UK Health Security Agency show there have been 637 identified cases of XE - a blend of two omicron strains.
The earliest of these was on January 19 this year however they say there is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions about how the variant will grow. It means they will continue to keep watch on it to see how it develops.
The scientists have been looking at three recombinant variants which have been identified in the UK. A recombinant variant happens when someone becomes infected with two or more variants at the same time which means the variant's genetic material mixes in the patient's body.
