The Delta variant of concern first identified in India is now dominant in Britain and might have an increased risk of hospitalization compared to the Alpha variant, Public Health England said on Thursday.
The Delta variant of COVID-19, first found in India, has now emerged as the dominant strain in the UK and may send more to the hospital than before, the country's scientists have said.
The latest statistics have led experts to conclude that Delta is now closing in to overtake Alpha, the VOC first detected in the Kent region of England.
Delta variant now dominant in UK as cases rise by 5,472 in a week
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Last Updated: Jun 04, 2021, 08:35 AM IST
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PHE also said that early evidence suggests there may be an increased risk of hospitalisation with Delta compared to Alpha, although more data is needed to have a more definitive view on that.
Agencies 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.
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.