Ten Omicron cases identified in Northern Ireland

More cases of the Omicron variant have been identified by the Department of Health in Northern Ireland.

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It brings the total number of confirmed cases to 10.

First Minister Paul Givan urged people to get a Covid-19 booster jab, saying it would provide "greater protection" against serious illness from Omicron.

Boosters are now being made available at walk-in centres for those aged 30 and above, whose last dose was administered at least three months ago.

Earlier, the UK's coronavirus alert level was raised from level three to four due to the spread of Omicron.

The chief medical officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland said early evidence shows the Omicron variant is spreading much faster than Delta.

In a televised address on BBC One on Sunday night, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said "no one should be in any doubt, there is a tidal wave of Omicron coming".

He declared an "Omicron emergency".

Education Secretary Nadhim Zahawi told BBC One's Andrew Marr Show that the UK was beginning to see the first patients in hospital with Omicron. However, it is not yet clear if they were admitted due to Omicron or for other reasons.

BBC News NI understands that, as of Sunday evening, there are no Omicron cases in hospitals in Northern Ireland.