Analysis had been conducted on a small number of suspected Northern Ireland cases, producing one positive result.
The variant is likely to have been present in Northern Ireland for a period of time, the department said.
It is increasingly likely that it is also established across other regions of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland, they explained
However, the department noted there is no current evidence to suggest the new strain causes more serious illness or a higher mortality rate or that it affects vaccines and treatments. Work to confirm this is ongoing.
“This is sadly the confirmation we had been expecting, Mr Swann said.
Department of Health reveal that a positive case of the new strain of Covid-19 has been identified in Northern Ireland
People asked to redouble their efforts to stop the spread of the disease
Reporter: );
);
The Department of Health has confirmed a positive test for the new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Northern Ireland.
The confirmation underlines the need for everyone to redouble our efforts to stop the virus spreading , Health Minister Robin Swann said tonight.
Genome analysis had been conducted on a small number of suspected Northern Ireland cases, producing one positive result.
The Department of Health said the variant is likely to have been present in Northern Ireland for a period of time.
Department of Health issue statement as new variant of coronavirus found in NI
The variant is likely to have been present in Northern Ireland for a period of time, the DoH said
Updated
A nurse from the Belfast Trust Vaccine Team prepares to inject care home staff (Liam McBurney/PA Wire)
Never miss a thing from Belfast and beyond - sign up for FREE newsletter direct to your inboxInvalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.
New variant of Covid-19 case confirmed in North
The Department of Health can confirm a positive test for the new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Northern Ireland.
The confirmation underlines the need for everyone to “redouble our efforts to stop the virus spreading,” Health Minister Robin Swann has emphasised.
Genome analysis had been conducted on a small number of suspected Northern Ireland cases, producing one positive result.
Advertisement
The variant is likely to have been present in Northern Ireland for a period of time.
This new variant had been detected in increasing numbers in the south east of England. It is increasingly likely that it is also established across other regions of the UK and in the Republic of Ireland.
Covid-19: How Northern Ireland s Christmas bubble rules work after latest restrictions
A rundown of how the rules stand following a raft of new restrictions being announced in recent days
Coronavirus messaging in Belfast city centre (Image: Justin Kernoghan/Belfast Live)
Want the biggest politics stories sent to you every week? Simply sign up here and we ll do the restInvalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.
Subscribe
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Sometimes they’ll include recommendations for other related newsletters or services we offer. OurPrivacy Noticeexplains more about how we use your data, and your rights. You can unsubscribe at any time.