The Indian variant of Covid was found in Herefordshire, official data shows.
According to the data, Covid variant B.1.617.2 was found in the county in the two weeks leading up to May 8.
The Wellcome Sanger Institute, with the help of Public Health England, has followed the spread of the variant in England.
The data shows that four cases of the variant identified in Herefordshire were identified over this 14-day-per-week period, but they do not provide a more specific location.
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That’s less than 210 in Bolton, which has been identified as one of the hotspots for the new variant.
The Hereford Times asked the Herefordshire Council Public Health Team for comment, but last week a general practitioner in the county admitted he was concerned about variants of Covid.
Dr. Simon Lennane has admitted that he is concerned about Covid variants
Dr. Simon Lennane, Ross-on-Wye GP said: “The main risk now is new ‘worrying variants’.
“High case rates in other countries are allowing the virus to mutate, and the concern is that the change may make our current vaccines less effective.
“The lack of surveillance of people from high-risk countries has left us vulnerable to these new varieties, and we should learn from those countries that have pursued and managed a zero-covid approach.”
Amid ongoing concerns about the rapidly spreading variant, first identified in India, 37-year-olds have been invited to book their coronavirus sting.
There are fears that the new Indian variant could jeopardize future plans to ease restrictions.
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At the same time, on the recommendation of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunization (JCVI), people over 50 will have their second shocks presented.
Some scientists warn that the variant could lead to a deadly new wave of the virus.
The Times reported that ministers are considering contingency plans for local lockdowns if the load cannot be controlled.
On Monday’s Commons, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there are now 2,323 confirmed cases of the Indian tribe in the UK, with 86 local governments recording at least five.
Worst hit were Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen – where it is now the dominant strain with a total of 483 cases in both areas – followed by Bedford.
People lining up for Covid vaccinations at ESSA academy in Bolton as the spread of the Indian variant of coronavirus could lead to the return of local lockdowns. Image: Danny Lawson / PA Wire
The authorities then carried out vaccinations and tests at virus hotspots to contain the spread of the disease.
However, Mr Hancock expressed frustration that the majority of the 19 hospital cases in Bolton had not received the vaccine despite being eligible.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock makes a statement to the house on the Covid-19 pandemic and the latest scientific assessment of the Indian variant. Image: House of Commons / PA Wire
Despite concerns that the Indian variant is even more transmissible than the dominant Kent variety, the recent easing of lockdown restrictions on Monday went ahead as planned in most of England, Scotland and Wales.
It meant pubs and restaurants could welcome customers inside while people inside could socialize and hug family and friends outside of their own households.
However, ministers have warned that the final lifting of lockdown restrictions in England, scheduled for June 21, may have to be delayed if the new variant spreads further.
Downing Street announced Monday that updates to domestic coronavirus passport plans, announcements to ease social distancing requirements and other guidelines for weddings due later this month could now be rolled back.