Only days after the Omicron variant was discovered in South Africa, governments around the world are racing to prevent the spread of the new strain.

The UK has currently 14 confirmed cases with nine cases in Scotland and five in England.

The new variant is a cause for concern since it is potentially more transmissible than previous strains but we still know very little about it.

The UK isn't the only country on high alert with many countries reintroducing restrictions, including on flights from South Africa.

READ MORE: 5 things Boris Johnson could say in today's Downing Street press conference

READ MORE: Omicron variant symptoms: What are the symptoms of the new Covid variant

 

How many countries have Omicron cases?

There are currently at least 19 countries with Omicron cases internationally.

  • Australia - 6 cases
  • Austria - 1 case
  • Belgium - 1 case
  • Botswana - 19 cases
  • Canada - 3 cases
  • Czech Republic - 1 case
  • Denmark - 2 cases
  • France - 1 case ( on the Reunion territory) eight possible cases have been detected
  • Germany - 4 cases
  • Hong Kong - 3 cases
  • Israel - 2 cases
  • Italy - 4 cases
  • Japan - 1 case
  • The Netherlands - 14 cases
  • Portugal - 13 cases
  • South Africa - 77 cases
  • Spain - 1 case
  • Sweden - 1 case
  • UK - 14 cases