First Minister Arlene Foster says it is ‘probable’ 70% more infectious COVID-19 variant ‘is in Northern Ireland’

The new variant is 70% more infectious than the previous strain.

Speaking on Good Morning Ulster she said that four cases have been identified and samples have been sent to England for analysis.

She added: “We cannot say it is in NI, but we know people are very concerned.

“The fact it is very infectious but doesn’t appear to be a difference on the disease when received is good news, but it is very infectious.”

Speaking of the restriction to a one day bubble she added that she recognised that “people need to be together for mental health reasons as well as everything else” but the message is to “stay local, but come together on one day”.

The First Minister added after long discussions last night the NI Executive did not impose a travel ban as “there is a travel ban in England so they cannot come to NI” from “the most infectious areas.”

She added: “People always try to gain on the system but we are asking people to show some personal responsibility”.

READ - Christmas bubbles to be limited to one day in Northern Ireland amid fears over spread of mutant virus

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