New Zealand reports first case of 'XE' COVID-19 variant

New Zealand has reported its first case of COVID-19 variant, 'XE', the country's Health Ministry said on Saturday. The variant, a mutation of the BA.1 and BA.2 Omicron strains, was found in a person who'd arrived in New Zealand from overseas, it added. "XE has been spreading overseas, and its arrival in New Zealand isn't unexpected," the ministry said.