Scientists in France are studying a new 'hybrid' Covid variant containing elements of both the Omicron and Delta strains. Deltacron, as it has been named, is a recombinant variant, which is likely to have emerged as a result of both strains of coronavirus replicating in the same person, scientists say.
The Pasteur Institute in France has now shared the first solid evidence for this variant, which has been found in the UK as well as France and the US, the Guardian reports. READ MORE:Covid rates surge across England amid new 'hybrid' variant - as Government prepares to ease rules It comes as the UK recorded a rise in infection rates in all four nations.
The government said it would be “continuing to monitor the situation very carefully” amid a rise in case rates in children's hospitals and among the elderly.
However, asked whether he had any concerns around Deltacron, the health secretary said health officials were "not concerned" about any sub-variants of Omicron in the UK.