Indian variant of Covid recorded on Isle of Wight THE INDIAN variant of Covid has been recorded on the Isle of Wight, the council has confirmed. "This is not a cause to panic, but it is a cause for caution," said Simon Bryant, director of public health at the Isle of Wight Council. The variant of coronavirus first identified in India has been recorded here, one of 127 local authority areas where the 'variant of concern' (VOC) has now been detected. Today (Wednesday), Mr Bryant sought to reassure residents that the situation on the Island was managed appropriately and robustly. Where a VOC occurs, Public Health England’s Local Health Protection Team ensures there is swift follow up, with any close contacts asked to self-isolate and further, precautionary testing offered.