A case of the new Omicron variant of Covid has been confirmed at Northfleet Technology College.

The school confirmed today it had been informed by NHS Test & Trace that a member of the school community, who had a positive COVID diagnosis early last week, has since been told that they have the new Omicron variant.

Unlike with other variants, all close contacts of people with Omicron must self-isolate for 10 days.

A spokesman for the school said the individual has been isolating in line with government guidance, adding: "The school has a risk assessment, which has been followed throughout and anybody who may have been in close contact with the infected individual has been contacted, directly, through NHS Test & trace.

"We wish to assure the community that we are doing all we can to follow the guidance and ensure we mitigate the risk as far as we reasonably can.

"We will continue to work closely with all necessary agencies and follow the guidance we are given to keep our community as safe as possible."

Although the arrival of the Omicron variant has been a source of concern, scientists are not yet sure of the extent of the risk it poses.

It is thought the variant may lead to more infections, but it is still believed vaccinations should prevent serious illness in most cases.

Recent figures show Kent has the second highest number of coronavirus cases among local authority regions across the country, with 8,192 cases over the seven day period up to November 26, second only to Surrey with 8,461 cases.

Nationally the number of daily Covid cases stands at 53,945, a leap of 6,705 cases on this time last week.

Earlier this week the Prime Minister announced vaccination centres would be "popping up like Christmas trees" in response to the threat of Omicron, as the country strived to give millions of people aged over 18 a booster jab before the end of January.