HEALTH chiefs have confirmed that seven cases of the Covid-19 Indian variant have been detected in Northern Ireland.
It is the first time the deadly strain, known as VUI B.1.617.2 has been recorded.
Health chiefs say work is ongoing to investigate and assess these cases, which have been confirmed as the north emerges from the most recent round of lockdown restrictions.
The cases have been identified at a number of locations, but because of the small numbers involved, public health bosses say "it would not be appropriate to identify these".
The Contact Tracing Service has been working with those who have tested positive to "identity and engage with close contacts and confirm travel history".
Chief medical officer Dr Michael McBride said a health protection risk assessment would be carried out along with contact tracing.
"This news is not entirely unexpected and plans are in place for such an eventuality," he said.
"While preventative measures - including travel restrictions - are very important, the assessment is that these will delay rather than permanently prevent the spread of variants already detected elsewhere on these islands."
He added that confirmation "of these cases does not mean this variant is going to become the most prevalent or the dominant strain in Northern Ireland".
"It does, however, highlight why caution is still essential in relation to Covid-19," he said.
"The most effective way to stop variants developing or spreading is to keep pushing down infection rates and transmission of the virus in our community."
He urged people to continue following public health advice and to get vaccinated when their turn comes.
Dr Stephen Bergin, Director of Public Health at the Public Health Agency, said health authorities were prepared for the development.
"Identification of a confirmed case or cases of this variant in Northern Ireland was inevitable at some point, and preparations have been in place for such a development," he said.
“Whilst it is a disappointing development, it underpins the need for continued vigilance and adherence to the public health guidance – currently there are no additional measures that the public need to take on the back of this, but it is essential that people continue to work within the regulations and advice."
Dr Bergin also urged members of the public to continue to remain on their guard.
Meanwhile, no new deaths linked to the virus have been recorded in the north while another 102 people have tested positive.
The overall death toll remains at 2,146.
South of the border there have been eight Covid-related deaths registered and 393 new cases of the disease notified to the Department of Health
The total number of people who have died in the south now stands at 4,921.
