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Public Health aware of new Covid variant 

The UK Health Security Agency said fears were growing over Covid19 BA.2.86 as scientists noticed a change in the spike part of the protein which causes infection

Public Health Isle of Man says it's aware of a new coronavirus variant that's been discovered in London and will continue to keep it under review.

The UK Health Security Agency said fears are growing over Covid-19 BA.2.86 as scientists noticed a change in the spike part of the protein which causes infection.

It added the person identified had no travel history meaning there could already be "significant community transmission".

In a statement to Manx Radio, Public Health says new variants are expected to appear from time to time, as happens with other viral infections such as the flu.

"This will be monitored in the same way as any other viral illness."

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