Dozens of Indian variant Covid cases found in region within a week

Public Health England has been tracking the spread of the B.1.617.2 mutation – which originated in India – by testing positive Covid-19 cases across the country for an "S-gene".

The gene is not present in the dominant Kent variant, which was responsible for a surge in cases over the winter, but is present in other variants of concern, including those from India.

Scientists have determined that the vast majority of the S-gene specimens identified across England in May are the Indian variant.

PHE identified 56 positive cases of the S-gene in the Black Country and Staffordshire between May 8-14.

The health body had previously reported that 35 cases were detected in the area between May 2-8, but warned that it has counted any tests conducted on May 8 twice.

The majority of areas in England have now reported at least one case.

The data shows 6,729 S-gene positive cases were recorded in England between the start of March and May 11 – up from 4,363 by May 5.

Of these, 491 (seven per cent) were in the West Midlands – the fifth largest proportion of England's nine regions, but well behind the North West, where there are almost 3,000.

PHE analysis suggests that of a national sample of 1,192 positive S-gene specimens, 93 per cent were found to be the B.1.617.2 Indian mutation.

The data comes as a separate PHE study found both the Pfizer and AstraZeneca vaccines were highly effective against the Indian strain after a second dose.

However, the same study found they were only 33 per cent effective three weeks after the first dose.

The efficacy of the vaccines against the new variants is seen as a major obstacle blocking the next stage of the roadmap, but the chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency said the possibility of restrictions being eased on June 21 was “looking good”.

However, Dr Jenny Harries urged the public to be cautious to avoid another lockdown, warning that the new Indian variant has become the “dominant strain” in some parts of the country.

It comes as the vaccine roll out was extended to people aged 30 and over this week.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, urged residents to get their vaccine.

She said: “Given that the new, potentially more transmissible variant first identified in India is now circulating in Wolverhampton, it is imperative that everyone redoubles their efforts to stop the spread of Covid-19.

"I would urge people to get their jab as soon as they are able to, not only to protect themselves but others, too, and to continue to follow the Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air guidance. Please also get a twice-weekly rapid Covid-19 test to reassure yourselves and others that you don’t have the virus.”

Dr Johnny McMahon, Staffordshire County Council ’s Cabinet Member for Health, Care and Wellbeing, said it was important that people continue to do everything they can to keep cases low in Staffordshire.

He said: “The spike in cases of the Indian variant is a timely reminder that Covid is still with us. It shows too how important it is for people to get themselves tested regularly and take up the vaccine when they are offered.

“Regular testing allows us to detect cases, even those showing no symptoms, and isolate any potential contacts to prevent spread of the infection. Being vaccinated means people are better protected against the virus, and I would urge all those who are eligible to book their vaccinations now.”

Councillor Nicolas Barlow, Dudley Council's cabinet member for Health and Adult Social Care, said: "There are now 24 confirmed cases of the April 02 (B1617.2) variant in the borough. There are other positive cases that are yet to go through the final sequencing process. This remains a dynamic situation.

“With this in mind we want to encourage everyone in the borough to remain vigilant, to exercise caution and continue with hands, face, space, fresh air and to get your vaccine when offered.

“We are urging anyone with symptoms of feeling unwell to book a standard PCR test.

“With one in three people with Covid not showing any symptoms, all residents are also encouraged to carry out twice weekly lateral flow tests. These can identify positive cases at the earliest opportunity if a person has Covid and help to stop transmission.”

And Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi revealed he is considering bringing more pharmacies on board in part of the Black Country.

Mr Zahawi said pharmacies had “stepped up” during the vaccine deployment and helped to increase confidence in the jab among communities.

From June 21 at the earliest, nightclubs are due to reopen and restrictions on large events such as festivals are to be lifted, as are restrictions on the number of people at weddings.