Covid Indian variant: Don't hug people "willy-nilly" says Essex health chief
The Director of Public Health for Essex says people should be "aware and cautious" of the new strain
People across Essex are being urged to use recent relaxations "wisely" as cases of the Indian coronavirus variant climb.
Chelmsford has been the worst hit part of the county, with 72.7% of positive cases being the new strain in the two weeks up to 8 May.
Residents there are being encouraged to complete regular Lateral Flow Tests and, if positive, book PCR tests to confirm.
According to the Director of Public Health for Essex, there are three known case of the Indian variant in Colchester, which are all linked to international travel.
In Tendring, 10% of cases in the two weeks up to 8 May were the new strain.
Dr Mike Gogarty said there is no cause for panic:
"People should be aware and should be cautious but not, I don't think, unduly concerned. It's important that, as these new relaxations are in place, we use them wisely and don't go round hugging everybody willy-nilly, and we maintain two metres distance where we possibly can.
"The evidence suggests that while this new variant might spread very quickly, although we're not sure just how quickly, it does appear to be that the vaccines work against it. So, if you haven't had a vaccine yet, get your vaccination, that's the best way you can protect yourself."
According to Dr Gogarty, the next two weeks will be important to determine how fast the Indian variant could be spreading nationally.