Covid: How many cases of Indian variant detected in Sunderland according to Public Health England data

Figures published by Public Health England show seven cases of the Indian variant were recorded in Sunderland by June 2.

The Covid-19 mutation that originated in India – now known as the Delta variant – is now believed to be dominant in the UK, with evidence suggesting it could be spreading more quickly than the Kent variant, which was behind a surge in cases over the winter.

Seven cases confirmed in Sunderland are among at least 142 cases of the mutation recorded across the North East which is the least affected of England's nine regions.

Sunderland City Council confirmed cases of the variant had been detected in the city on May 26 but did not reveal how many cases had been recorded.

The authority said last week that cases remained very low, but encouraged people to take up free, at-home lateral flow tests to keep on top of the spread of cases in the city.

A total of 12,431 cases of the Indian variant had been confirmed in the UK by June 2, up 79% from the previous week’s total of 6,959 according to Public Health England.

According to the Telegraph, a two-week delay to the final stage of Boris Johnson’s road map will be used to accelerate second jabs for over-40s, moving from a 12 to eight-week gap between doses.

PHE figures show that more than half of people found with the Indian strain were unvaccinated.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “With this variant now dominant across the UK, it remains vital that we all continue to exercise as much caution as possible.

“The way to tackle variants is to tackle the transmission of Covid-19 as a whole. Work from home where you can, and practice ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.

“If you are eligible and have not already done so, please come forward to be vaccinated and make sure you get your second jab. It will save lives.”

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