The number of confirmed cases in the UK of the Covid variant of concern that was first detected in India has risen more than 160% in the past week, data shows, and another new variant has been designated as “under investigation”. Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows there have now been 3,424 confirmed cases of the B.1.617.2 variant in the UK, up from 1,313 cases confirmed by last Thursday. “Cases are still predominantly affecting the north-west of England – particularly Bolton – and London, but we are seeing clusters of cases across the country,” PHE said. “As cases of [B.1.617.2] continue to rise, it is absolutely vital that people living in areas where prevalence is high come forward to get the vaccine. PHE said there had been 49 cases in the UK to date, mainly concentrated in Yorkshire and the Humber.

Source: The Guardian May 20, 2021 18:32 UTC