UK records 86 more Omicron cases

The UK has recorded 86 new Omicron cases, taking the total to 246.

Saturday, there was a total of 160 cases, meaning the UK total has risen by more than 50% in 24 hours.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which publishes the figures, made the announcement Sunday afternoon.

The UK government has introduced targeted testing in areas where the variant is thought to be in patients who are infectious.

Dr Jenny Harries, the UKHSA chief executive, said this has led to more cases being detected.

She added some cases are linked to community transmission, rather than travel abroad.