Covid: Cases of Indian variant detected in Sunderland

Public health bosses in the city will not reveal the exact number of cases however have confirmed that all measures are being followed and that the affected cases are currently self-isolating.

Officials say that there is no evidence that the Indian variant causes more serious illness however there is some evidence that is easier to pass on than other variants of the virus.

Gerry Taylor, the Executive Director of Public Health and Integrated Commissioning at Sunderland City Council, has encouraged residents to continue following Covid guidelines and be testing for the virus regularly.

She commented: “We currently have a very small number of confirmed cases of the Indian variant in Sunderland.

“All public health measures are being followed and cases are self-isolating. We will not disclose further information due to patient confidentiality.

“While there is no evidence that the Indian variant of the virus causes more serious illness, there is some evidence that this variant is easier to pass on than other variants.

“That’s why it’s more important than ever that we all continue following the guidance in place to keep us safe, which is something people in Sunderland have been doing so well since the start of the pandemic.

“So I’d encourage everyone to continue to follow the hands, face, space and fresh air guidance, test twice weekly if they don’t have symptoms, even if they have had both doses of the vaccine and to self-isolate immediately and book a PCR test if they have symptoms such as a new persistent cough, a high temperature or a loss or change in sense and smell.”

The advice comes after “door-to-door” Covid testing has started in North Tyneside – which has been highlighted by the Government as an “Indian variant hotspot”.

The Government has insisted that local lockdown measures were not being put in place but once again urged residents to take up regular testing and follow the guidance on social distancing, as well as minimising travel in and out of the area.

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