LONDON : The Delta variant of COVID-19, or the B1.617.2 highly transmissible variant of concern (VOC) first identified in India, has now become the dominant VOC in the UK as infections rose by 5,472 in a week to hit a total of 12,431, health officials in Britain said on Thursday. “With this variant now dominant across the UK, it remains vital that we all continue to exercise as much caution as possible," said Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive, UK Health Security Agency. According to the breakdown of official figures, this week 278 people with the Delta variant attended hospital in an emergency. “Variant cases are on the increase in several areas and it is absolutely crucial that everyone plays their part in preventing their spread," PHE said. Blackburn with Darwen has also seen local teams making door-to-door visits, and over 10,000 additional PCR tests have been given out.

Source: Mint June 03, 2021 19:18 UTC