Covid news: 75 more cases of Omicron variant found in England; Ireland announces new restrictions – as it happened

More than 100 cases of new variant have now been found in England; Strict social distancing will be required in Ireland's bars and restaurants with mandatory table service and a maximum of six people per table

• Act now against Omicron to stop new Covid wave, UK warned
• Germany's Covid wave could reach sad peak' at Christmas
• GPs in England get green light to provide less care and join jab drive
• How probable is it that Omicron will take hold in UK?
• Italian man tries to dodge Covid vaccine wearing fake arm

California is reporting its second confirmed case of the Omicron variant in as many days.

The Los Angeles County public health department says a full vaccinated county resident is self-isolating after apparently contracting the infection during a trip to South Africa last month.