More than 350 new cases of Indian delta variant of covid recorded in Sunderland

Public Health England has confirmed that 639 cases of the Delta variant, which was first identified in India, have been recorded in Sunderland by June 23 – an increase of 359 more cases than the 280 cases recorded the week before.

Figures published today (Monday 28 June) show there are at least 6,442 cases of the variant recorded across the North East, which is the sixth-worst affected of England's nine regions.

The North West continues to have the highest numbers identified, with 38,189 Delta variant cases recorded.

Across the UK, 35,204 more cases were recorded in the last week to reach a total of 111,157 – a 46 percent increase.

More than 150 new covid cases were recorded in Sunderland on Sunday, the highest numbers since January.

Professor Peter Kelly, Regional Director of Public Health England North East, urged everyone to remember the basic rules to prevent spread of the virus and to make sure they were vaccinated.

He said: “We know the Delta variant is at least 40% more transmissible than the Alpha variant, which was more prevalent at the start of the year. The rapid spread of the Delta variant has now become apparent and we need to take a cautious approach.

“It’s crucial we make further progress on vaccinating the entire adult population during the coming weeks and I would encourage those over 18 who have recently been invited for their vaccine to do so as soon as possible.”

All adults over the age of 18 in England are now being invited to receive their vaccines.

The UK Health Security Agency said vaccines are breaking the link between cases and hospitalisations nationally, but urged people to continue to be cautious.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “Through the success of our vaccination programme, data suggest we have begun to break the link between cases and hospitalisations. This is hugely encouraging news, but we cannot become complacent.

“Two doses of vaccine are far more effective against Covid-19 than a single dose, so please make sure that you come forward to get your second dose as soon as you are invited."

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