Indian coronavirus variant located in Worcestershire
Concerns have been raised about the mutation which could be more transmissible than other variants.
Dr Kathryn Cobain, Director of Public Health for Worcestershire, said: “Our Public Health team are continuing to work with PHE to ensure an appropriate response is taken for every variant of concern.
"As with many other Local Authorities, we are aware of isolated cases in Worcestershire of the variant first identified in India. It is right that we should be cautious about any new variants of the virus, and I appreciate that people may be anxious in the current climate. Viruses often evolve and this is not unusual.
"Our priority locally is to ensure that all cases of COVID-19 self-isolate which will prevent onward transmission of the virus. It is important to say that there is currently no evidence that the new variants cause more severe illness. The best way to stop transmission and to keep yourself safe remains following the Hand, Face, Space guidance and taking the appropriate tests regularly.”
Surge testing is continuing in Redditch after cases of the South Africa variant were discovered in the town. The county council say door to door testing is also available.