Health bosses have been made aware that there could be two cases of the new Omicron variant of coronavirus in Hertfordshire.

One case of the new Covid-19 strain was found in Three Rivers on Wednesday - and the county council confirmed today (Thursday) that it has been informed of a second suspected case in Hertfordshire.

Jim McManus, Hertfordshire’s Director of Public Health, said both cases are linked and have a link to international travel.

“Both people are self-isolating at home and rapid enhanced contact tracing is already taking place,” he said.

“This is a timely reminder of how important it is that everyone takes sensible precautions – get a PCR test if you have symptoms, isolate when asked, wear a face covering in crowded and enclosed spaces, ventilate rooms, use the NHS COVID-19 app, get your vaccine and boosters as soon as you can.”

Watford Observer: Jim McManus, director for public health at Hertfordshire County CouncilJim McManus, director for public health at Hertfordshire County Council

So far the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has confirmed 22 cases of the Omicron variant across England.

Dr Jenny Harries, UKHSA chief executive, said: "It is very likely that we will find more cases (nationwide) over the coming days, as we are seeing in other countries globally and as we increase case detection through focused contact tracing.

"That’s why it’s critical that anyone with Covid-19 symptoms isolates and gets a PCR test immediately."

Read more - Omicron: Case of new Covid variant discovered near Watford

Scientists are concerned by the Omicron, or B.1.1.529 variant, because it has a high number of spike protein mutations, potentially changing the behaviour of the virus with regards to vaccines, treatments and transmissibility.

Dr Maria Van Kerkhove, Covid-19 technical lead at the World Health Organisation, said they expect to have more information about the transmissibility of Omicron "within days".

She added there is some indication that some of the patients are presenting with mild symptoms but says it is still early days - and reinforced the message to get vaccinated.