WHO says Delta variant could become the dominant strain in Ireland

The World Health Organisation says there's a 'real chance' the Delta variant will become the dominant strain of Covid-19 in Ireland. 

It comes as the chief medical officer says there's been a 'concerning increase' in cases of the strain here. 

About a fifth of infections in the past week involved this variant, which is more transmissible. 

A total of 284 new cases of Covid-19 were confirmed here yesterday. 

Dr David Nabarro, from the W-H-O, says the Delta variant is very concerning.

"There is certainly plenty of evidence that the Delta variant is more easily transmitted between people, and it does seem as though it likes to move around.

"There's a real chance that it might become dominant in Ireland, and other European countries."