Covid-19 Indian variant hotspots in the UK revealed and how it affects lockdown. (PA) Ministers are preparing to order further action in response to the spread of the Indian variant of coronavirus as new figures show cases have more than doubled in a week. While Covid-19 cases in most areas of the UK are at their lowest levels since August last year, there are concerns the Indian variant could see cases jump back up. Data from Public Health England (PHE) shows a rise in cases from 520 to 1,313 this week in the UK, with the agency saying cases were “rising in the community” and it was assessing the impact and severity of the variant.
Surge testing has been under way in parts of Bolton since 7 May (Photo: Getty Images)
Covid cases in most areas of the UK are at their lowest levels since August last year, but there are concerns the Indian coronavirus variant could push infections back up.
Some 370 out of 380 local areas, or 97 per cent, are currently recording rates below 50 cases per 100,000 people, with almost one in four having rates that have dropped into single figures.
However, a small number of areas are seeing a rise in cases as the India variant spreads across the UK.
The government s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) is reportedly due to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday (13 May) to discuss the variant and Boris Johnson s roadmap out of lockdown.
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Boris Johnson today admitted he was anxious about the Indian variant spreading rapidly in the UK and warned the Government would rule nothing out in its effort to contain it – as official figures revealed weekly Covid cases have doubled in four hotspots where the strain is surging.
The Prime Minister claimed England s lockdown-easing plans on Monday and June 21 were still on track despite cases of the B.1.617.2 strain also tripling nationally in the last seven days – but hinted localised measures could be imposed.
This could include surge vaccinations , in which jabs are offered to all adults in certain areas, rather than prioritising older groups, as well as surge testing which is already being used to tackle other variants.
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