Politics
Indian variant cases rise by 1,000 in just 3 days in UK – and here’s the next hotspots
THE Indian variant has risen by 1,000 cases in just three days, Matt Hancock revealed this afternoon.
On Friday the latest data showed 1,313 infections in the UK, and today there are 2,323 logged cases
People in Bolton queue again this morning for their Covid-19 vaccination[/caption]
Covid-hit Bolton has seen 483 cases of the Indian variant, with Bedford on the watchlist and surge testing rolled out.
After UK Covid Indian variant infections have risen sharply, ministers and experts have warned to be cautious when hugging.
The true numbers are likely higher because there is a lag period with detecting cases.
Data to April 24 reveals that in four areas of England, the Indian variant is the most dominant.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said yesterday: “We should all be careful, we all know the risks, outside is safer than inside – so even though you can, from tomorrow, meet up inside, it’s still better to meet up outside.
“I think personal responsibility is an important mantra here because people have been so responsible through the crisis and they’ve really listened and followed the guidance and instructions that the Prime Minister set out, and that’s the approach we should take together.”
He said he would hug his parents outside, and try and keep outdoors as much as possible.
The Health Secretary added he would be avoiding indoor pub tables “for the moment”, and urged Brits to make sure they keep windows open if going inside.
Step Three in Boris Johnson’s roadmap is the biggest unlocking so far – with indoor dining, hugs, holidays and casual sex back on the cards.
And those happy to brave the rain can meet in groups of up to thirty in a pub garden.
Despite larger numbers allowed to meet outside, social distancing between different groups will be encouraged.
It is the first time since November that all Brits can once again mix inside.
Good Morning Britain’s Dr Hilary demonstrated how to hug safely this morning.
He showed viewers that wearing a mask and turning heads away from each other for a quick embrace is the best way to protect each hugger.
Although it’s unclear quite how the Indian variant will respond to vaccines, early research coming out of Oxford University found the vaccines are “highly effective”
It comes after experts feared it spreads 60 per cent quicker than the Kent variant that rolled the UK back into lockdown in January.
Jabs will be rolled out to everyone aged 35 and over this week in an all-out effort to stop a new wave derailing the roadmap out of lockdown.
Britain faces a precarious moment as the Indian variant can spread like “wildfire” across unvaccinated groups, he said.
A deluge of extra tests and vaccines are being surged to hotspots to try to stamp out the clusters of infections.
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Covid “hit squads” are going door to door urging everyone to get the jab.
Meanwhile, Professor Robert Dingwall, who sits on a subgroup of Sage, told anxious Brits to “keep calm and carry on”.
He told The Sun: “We now have emerging evidence that the vaccines are as protective against the Indian variant as they are against others that have appeared.”
A medic gives out a Covid jab in Bolton today[/caption]
