Warning over new Covid variant as public told 'stay at home' if you're unwell

The variant, known as NB.1.8.1, was first identified in Ireland in May. It has since become the dominant strain in the country - accounting for around 30% of new Covid cases The NB.1.8.1 variant of Covid could cause some lesser-known symptoms (Image: Getty Images )

As Covid cases surge globally, Irish health chiefs are pleading with the public to stay put if they're feeling under the weather.

A fresh variant, dubbed NB. 1.8.1 , has popped up in Ireland. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that this strain first reared its head in January and by late April was behind roughly 10.7% of worldwide infections, a significant leap from just 2.5% a month prior. ‌

The WHO recently slapped NB. 1.8.1 on its official watch list , noting that while it might spread more easil