The data, published by the UK Health Security Agency, show the number of Omicron cases in each local authority, up to December 6, 2021.
West Northamptonshire currently has the highest total number of confirmed Omicron cases and S-gene dropout cases, with a total of 117, closely followed by Manchester with 68.
Here are the number of confirmed Omicron cases in every local authority in the county, along with the number of S-gene dropout cases.
S-gene dropout explained:
Roughly one in every six positive PCR tests are sent for genome sequencing to determine which variant they are - a process which can take many days.
A quicker way to spot potential Omicron cases is to look for a marker called the S-gene, which is missing in variants such as Omicron and Alpha but present in Delta cases.
Once identified, swabs showing so-called ‘S-gene dropout’ can then be sent for definitive testing for Omicron.
1. Blackburn with Darwen
In Blackburn with Darwen there has been 1 confirmed case of the Omicron variant, as well as 5 S-gene dropout cases.
2. Blackpool
In Blackpool there has been 1 confirmed case of the Omicron variant, currently there are no confirmed S-gene dropout cases.
3. Burnley
In Burnley there have been 2 confirmed case of the Omicron variant, as well as 3 S-gene dropout cases.
4. Chorley
In Chorley there have been no confirmed case of the Omicron variant, however, there have been 3 confirmed S-gene dropout cases.