A case of the new Omicron variant of Covid has been confirmed at a primary school.

It was detected at Manor Community Primary School in Swanscombe which has now written to parents of all children who have been in close contact with the affected person.

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

As a result, and while standard investigations continue, the UK Health Security Agency is carrying out testing on some pupils in key stage two groups, as a precaution.

An email was sent to parents informing them of this and a mobile testing unit for pupils was put in place at the school in Keary Road today.

All pupils in Year 5 and a class in Year 4 are being encouraged to get tested.

A spokesman for the school said: "The school has followed the national guidance and has written to the parents of all children who have been in close contact with the affected person.

"This testing is voluntary but parents have been strongly encouraged to comply, even if their children have recently had a negative PCR test.

"They have been advised to keep their children at home and self-isolate in line with government guidance."

If children are well and have not tested positive at the end of the period of self-isolation, they can return to their usual activities.

It comes just days after another case was confirmed nearby at Northfleet Technology College.

Although the emergence 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 understood the current vaccines should guard against serious illness and hospitalisation in most cases.

Yesterday, the government confirmed new coronavirus restrictions are to be imposed as part of its 'Plan B' in response to rising cases and the spread of the Omicron variant.

The Prime Minister announced new guidance to work from home, the extension of face mask rules and the introduction of domestic vaccine passports for events and large venues.