Latest weekly data on Covid-19 variants identified in the UK show ‘Indian variant’ growing rapidly

Cases of VOC-21APR-02 (‘Indian variant’) have risen by 2,111 since last week, to a total of 3,424. Cases are still predominantly affecting the North West and London. There is evidence this variant is growing rapidly and may be more transmissible than the ‘Kent variant’.

SPS commentary:

The government has announced details of additional surge testing, tracing and isolation support measures being deployed across Bedford, Burnley, Hounslow, Kirklees, Leicester and North Tyneside, to help halt the spread of this variant. The government is working with local authorities to boost uptake of the approved vaccines for those eligible in these areas.

Public Health England

Resource links:

Press release