Small number of cases of Indian variant discovered in Norfolk

The situation in Norfolk is being monitored carefully.

Dr McMahon expressed his condolences to people who lost loved ones during the pandemic
Author: Abi SimpsonPublished 14th May 2021
Last updated 14th May 2021

Fewer than 10 cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus have been identified in Norfolk.

Director of Public Health for the county, Dr Louise Smith, said: "We're seeing cases of the variant first identified in India being recorded across the country and, like in other parts of the country, there have been a very small number in Norfolk.

"We continue to work closely with Public Health England who are monitoring the situation closely.

"The ways to prevent spread of this variant remain the same - getting a vaccination when it's offered, getting tested regularly, following current lockdown restrictions - including quarantine rules for travellers - keeping our distance from others, and wearing face coverings as appropriate.

"And from next week when more indoor meeting is due to be allowed, allowing in lots of fresh air when meeting up indoors."

It comes as Public Health England's confirmed more than 13-hundred infections have been identified in total, which surge testing now taking place in hotspot areas like Bolton.

Vaccines Minister, Nadhim Zahawi, has said young people could be offered vaccinations sooner than planned in areas where the Indian variant has been found.

He added that some people's second doses could also be brought forward.

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.