LONDON, (Reuters) – Two cases linked to Omicron coronavirus variants have been identified in Britain. They are connected to trips to Southern Africa, Sajid Javid, the health minister said Saturday.

Omicron was dubbed “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization Friday. Experts are not yet sure if the virus will inflict more severe COVID-19 than other coronavirus strains.

The UK Health Security Agency contacted me late last night. Javid broadcast that they had found two Omicron cases in the United Kingdom.

The Essex County Council then confirmed, via Twitter (NYSE : ), that one case had been identified in Brentwood in England’s southeastern region. According to the council, it was connected to a single South African case that originated in Nottingham in central England.

We are currently working closely with local and regional public health officials to assess the situation. The council stated that all close contact of the individuals involved will be contacted and asked to get tested.

Two individuals, along with all their household members were being retested by the ministry of health. They were told to self-isolate and continue testing while contact tracing and further testing took place.

England will also include Malawi, Mozambique Mozambique Zambia, and Angola on its travel “redlist” starting at 4:00 GMT Sunday. British and Irish nationals who arrive in England must stay in quarantine for 10 nights in approved hotels. Entry will not be granted to non-residents.

This list included Botswana and Eswatini as well as Namibia, South Africa, South Africa, South Africa, Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Namibia.

Javid announced that Prime Minister Boris Johnson will be joined by Patrick Vallance, the Chief Scientific Adviser and Chris Whitty, the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Medical Officer. They will host a news conference to discuss “further measures” later in Saturday.