BBC News

Boris Johnson says people will be worked through by age group - as at other stages of the Covid vaccine roll-out.

The new Covid-19 variant is found in Dutch samples taken before it was reported by South Africa.

Coverings become mandatory in shops and on public transport under measures to slow Omicron's spread.

Omicron could lead to severe consequences in some regions, the World Health Organization has warned.

Experts also recommend a second dose for 12 to 15-year-olds, in response to the Omicron variant.

The Scottish government says it will offer a third dose to all over-18s and a second vaccine to those aged 12 to 15.

Testing is offered to pupils and staff after the Omicron case is linked to the school in Brentwood.

All children aged 12 to 15 are being offered two doses of Covid vaccine.

The health secretary says Covid vaccinations have been moving at a “blistering pace” with 17 million booster doses given.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer Jonathan Van-Tam says that it is ''not all doom and gloom'' surrounding Omicron variant.

A reduction in time between doses and extending the scheme to younger age groups could be approved.

Dr Michael Watt made a voluntary application to be removed from the medical register in October.

Parents are being asked to consent to testing after a case of Omicron was confirmed in Nottingham.

The health secretary says mask rules and travel tests will help to protect Christmas celebrations.

Top medical adviser Dr Susan Hopkins urges people to take action now to reduce transmissions.

The South African doctor who found the new variant says patients are showing very mild symptoms so far.

Travellers from all countries will be banned from entering Israel for 14 days, local media report.

People in England will be legally required to wear a mask in shops and public transport, the health secretary says.

The new variant's genetic profile has raised concerns, but there's a shortage of real-world data.

The health secretary is due to give more detail on new measures after two UK Omicron cases were found.

Watch Chris Whitty, chief medical officer, speak about what scientists know about the new Omicron variant.

Watch Boris Johnson set out new measures after two cases of the Omicron variant were found in the UK.

Two people in the UK have been found to be infected with the new Covid variant, Omicron, the health secretary says.

The health secretary says two UK cases of the Omicron variant shows the pandemic "is far from over".

Prof Calum Semple says some scientists are "hugely overstating" the fears around the Omicron variant.

The health secretary says southern African travel restrictions were imposed due to a "substantial risk" to health.

Liam Fox's plan to ensure lifelong care looks set to become law in England early next year.

NHS guidance says that ambulance handovers should be completed within 15 minutes.

A doctor alleges his role as a special adviser to England's healthcare regulator was ended unfairly.

Donna Ockenden's review into maternity care is the largest of its kind in NHS history.

More mothers-to-be should come forward for the jab, the UK Health Security Agency's report suggests.

Changes to support and access during lockdowns are likely to be factors, a report says.

Brain tumour researchers hit their funding target after a £400,000 campaign backed by the Olympian.

Specialists had said the woman was the "most complicated" Covid patient in the world.

A charity says if services are not prepared, carers will struggle and people will feel unsupported.

Figures from the Western Trust show a rise in under-18s attending hospital over their mental health.

A surgeon claims his role as a special adviser was ended because he raised concerns over an inspection.

The treatment could lead to 8,450 more babies being born each year in the UK, experts say.

Stormont ministers say Covid has "once again taken a firm grip" and urge home working if possible.

Some care home residents are still dying alone during Covid-19 outbreaks, a campaign group says.

Nicola Sturgeon says the scheme will not be extended to cinemas and theatres, as had been widely expected.

Click discovers how VR helps parents decide whether to go through with surgery for their child.

Pascal Soriot said his company's Covid vaccine promoted a greater T-cell response than some others.

Critics say altering the way the cap will be calculated could disproportionately hit poorer people.

Group exercise and mindfulness are also to be recommended before medication, according to new advice.

Scotland's vaccine passport scheme could be extended to cinemas, theatres and other venues in December.

Medical advice on how new mothers with sepsis should be treated is to change after two women died of a herpes infection.

An A&E nurse describes the anguish she's faced - and how a helpline inspired by Clap for Carers gave her hope.

Surgeon Dr Irfan Halim switched to working on the frontline when the pandemic hit.