Chris Whitty warns future variants could cause 'significant' issues as 'Living with Covid' plans are outlined

New Covid variants are expected in the UK, with some to cause "significant" issues, Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty has said in a statement.

Following news that mandatory self-isolation for those who have tested positive for Covid is to come to an end in England, Mr Whitty warned that 'tricky' periods remain.

"We do have to accept that the respiratory system in winter and in subsequent winters is likely to combine Covid with flu and other respiratory problems.

"We expect winters to be tricky, even in the absence of significant new variants".

Chris Whitty has urged people to continue self-isolating if they have Covid, despite the new guidance for England, which is set to come into force on Thursday.

"As we look at the next weeks, we still have high rates of Omicron and I would urge people in terms of public health advice that people with Covid should try to prevent other people from getting it, and that means self-isolation".