Covid cases rise 12% in a week – as experts fear Indian variant ‘spreads 60% faster than Kent’
12 May 2021, 9:40
Updated: 12 May 2021, 10:41
UK COVID cases are on the rise and a “third wave” may have already started ahead of the next stage of unlocking.
Scientists fear the new variant from India is to blame and it s predicted to be up to 60 per cent more transmissible than the dominant Kent strain.
5
UK Covid cases are on the rise, data suggests, ahead of the next stage of unlocking. Pictured, two friends in Finsbury Park, north London, 10 MayCredit: LNP
Professor Paul Hunter, from the Norwich School of Medicine at the University of East Anglia, said: “Today [May 11] 2,427 new cases of Covid have been reported in the UK.
Vanessa Chalmers, Digital Health Reporter
May 12 2021, 11:34 ET
Updated: May 12 2021, 12:52 ET
Vanessa Chalmers, Digital Health Reporter
Invalid Date,
BORIS Johnson has warned potential new variants pose a “lethal danger” and could spark the worst Covid wave yet.
The Prime Minister urged caution as lockdown eases but added the data is looking positive - as the NHS reached a milestone of 45 million jabs.
6
He added the Indian strain is something we are increasingly concerned about in the UK .
Cases of the variant are growing at a rapid rate, already making up an estimated quarter of new cases.
Mr Johnson stressed the need for caution and vigilance as lockdown is eased, with the next step on May 17.
Fears of third Covid wave as Indian mutation spreads 60% faster than Kent variant
The combination of a successful vaccine rollout and lockdown restrictions have pushed down Covid infection rates, hospitalisations, and deaths. However, scientists are still concerned about the Indian variant
11:25, 12 MAY 2021
Updated
The video will auto-play soon8Cancel
Play now
The Daily Star s FREE newsletter is spectacular! Sign up today for the best stories straight to your inboxInvalid EmailSomething went wrong, please try again later.
Sign up today!
When you subscribe we will use the information you provide to send you these newsletters. Your information will be used in accordance with ourPrivacy Notice.
16:56, 30 Apr 2021
Updated: 16:56, 30 Apr 2021
THIS map reveals how new Covid variants are spread across England.
The distribution of the Indian strain has been laid bare for the first time, with figures showing cases are highest in London and the South East.
3
Cases of three new variants on a map
There are several variants on the Government’s watchlist, including the most recent addition from India, as well as from South Africa and Brazil.
Public Health England (PHE) has broken down how many cases are in each region of England, including the Indian strain for the first time.
It detailed cases up until April 22, meaning recent infections are not included.