Cornwall has had at least one case of the Indian coronavirus variant
Public Health England is urging people to be cautious across the country
Last updated 28th May 2021
It has been confirmed that Cornwall has seen at least one case of the Indian coronavirus variant.
Public Health England has released new data for case numbers of the variant, with a breakdown by local authority.
Cornwall is listed has having less than five, and health officials have confirmed to us that means the Duchy has definitely seen at least one.
The exact number of cases is only confirmed when the total reaches more than five due to deductive disclosure, which means to protect individual identities.
It comes as the latest weekly data shows cases of VOC-21APR-02 (the Indian variant) have risen by 3,535 to 6,959 across the country since last week.
Public Health England says there are small numbers of cases of the variant in most parts of the country. Whilst Cornwall has seen at least one case, that is still one of the lowest totals of all local authority areas.
Bolton and Blackburn have seen the highest numbers, with 1,354, 366 and 361 confirmed cases, respectively.
In some affected areas, hospitalisations are rising. Hospital attendances and admissions are predominantly in unvaccinated individuals, highlighting how crucial it is that people in these areas come forward to receive vaccination. Nationwide, up to 25 May, 201 people who were confirmed to have VOC-21APR-02 attended A&E, resulting in 43 admissions. These numbers will be updated with new sequencing results on a weekly basis.
You can find the full breakdown for each area, by local authority, here.
'We are urging people to be very cautious'
Evidence shows that VOC-21APR-02 is likely to be more transmissible than the dominant B.1.1.7 ‘Kent’ variant. Cases of VOC-21APR-02 have continued to grow faster than B.1.1.7 but an increase in overall cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) infections has only been seen in a small number of areas. PHE experts are monitoring the situation closely to establish how much more transmissible VOC-21APR-02 may be. It is crucial that everybody, particularly in the most affected areas, take particular care to remain responsible and vigilant.
A PHE study showed that 2 doses of vaccine offers high levels of protection against symptomatic disease from VOC-21APR-02. We expect the vaccines to be effective at preventing hospitalisation and death, so it is vital to get both doses to gain maximum protection against all existing and emerging variants.
"With cases of the variant first identified in India continuing to rise in some areas, we are urging people to be very cautious and follow the guidance on hygiene, face coverings, social distancing and meeting outdoors. We now know that getting both vaccine doses gives a high degree of protection against this variant and we urge everyone to have the vaccine when the NHS invites you."
"Please follow the public health advice and make sure that you remain careful, work from home if you can, meet people outside where possible and remember ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times. This is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this variant."
Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive, UK Health Security Agency
NHS Test and Trace have supplied more than 400,000 additional PCR test kits to the most affected areas to make sure that everyone who needs a test can get one.
New Variant Under Investigation
A further variant, VUI-21MAY-02 (C.36.3), has been designated as a Variant Under Investigation (VUI) on 24 May on the basis of the mutation profile and increased importation from a widening international area.
There have been 109 cases of VUI-21MAY-02 dispersed across the country to date. The C.36.3 variant was first detected in Thailand, in cases who had travelled from Egypt.
There is currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe disease or renders the vaccines currently deployed any less effective. PHE is carrying out laboratory testing to better understand the impact of the mutations on the behaviour of the virus.
PHE says all appropriate public health interventions will be undertaken, including additional contact tracing and targeted testing. Where cases have been identified, additional follow-up of cases, testing of contacts and if required targeted case finding will limit its spread.