The mutant strain had overtaken the Kent variant in 102 out of 315 areas in the country (34 per cent) by May 22, the most recent date for which data is available. UK Government scientists believe the Indian variant is at least 20 per cent more infectious than the Kent variant that sparked the devastating second wave, which itself was much more virulent than the original virus that emerged in China. Just 29 local authorities were detecting cases of the mutant strain in the middle of April, the Sanger data shows. Boris Johnson today faced mounting pressure over June 21 Freedom Day with some scientists warning he would have to 'carry the can' for a 'bad decision' — comparing the Indian variant to a 'volcano' that could engulf the country. MailOnline analysis shows Covid hospital admissions are slowly creeping up across England but nearly half of all trusts are still completely empty despite fears about the Indian strain.

Source: The Nation June 01, 2021 15:00 UTC