DATA on strains of Covid-19 detected across Northern Ireland is be made public through a new tracker resource.
Developed by Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) and the Public Health Agency (PHA), the online initiative will show incidences of Omicron and Delta variants in each of the north's Local Government Districts (LGD).
The information will be displayed on the Department of Health Covid dashboard through videos and graphics.
Omicron is currently the most dominant strain. However, a new sub-variant of Omicron which is more contagious but not as severe has emerged in recent weeks.
Researchers involved in the project stressed the importance of mapping and visually displays in determining the prevalence of variants.
Professor Jennifer McKinley, from the School of Natural and Built Environment at QUB said: "This information is not only crucial to inform health guidance and policies, but it also empowers the public to better understand the current health situation."
Dr David Simpson, from the Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine at QUB, explained that once their team receives PCR samples from a positive test, genomic sequencing is performed to identify the virus's genetic make-up.
He added: "Genome sequencing is vital to understand viral transmission and evolution, and to inform public health responses and vaccine development. It is through genomic sequencing that we can detect new variants such as Omicron."
The PHA also said the information was key in managing the north's response to the pandemic.
The agency's director of public health, Dr Brid Farrell, said: "The ability to track the spread of Covid-19 and variants of the virus has been crucial in providing an effective public health response.
"It has enabled us to examine areas of greatest need and enact additional testing measures to help our communities take the appropriate steps to keep each other safe."
