Brighton's health boss says new variant is 'a big concern'

The first known cases of the new Indian variant have been discovered in Brighton, with two people testing positive.

The variant is said to be 50 per cent more transmissible than the UK Kent strain, which was responsible for a deadly winter wave.

Two other authorities in Sussex have found cases that tested positive for the "S gene," something only present in the Indian variant.

• READ MORE >> Indian coronavirus variant detected in Brighton and Hove

These are Mid Sussex, which has seen two cases, and Crawley, which has seen one.

Reacting to the first recorded cases, Brighton and Hove City Council’s director of public health said all the cases have been linked to overseas travel.

Alistair Hill said: “The number of people with Covid increased again in the last week although the rates are currently stable.

“We have been aware that there have been a small number of cases of the variant common in India in the city to date.

“Each case is followed up exhaustively using full test and trace procedures. To date, all cases have been linked to overseas travel with no community transmission, and no further action was required.

Public Health England

“We’re following what’s happening in other parts of the country very closely. We know that national information is suggesting this variant is becoming more common.

“So we are remaining vigilant and ensuring we are fully prepared to support the city to be part of additional testing programmes if needed.

“The new variant does look to be more transmissible than previous dominant variants.

"This is a big concern.

"We want to keep case numbers as low as possible to prevent vulnerable people from being infected and avoid the risk of local lockdown.

“We must continue to be cautious while the national restrictions are eased.

“If you have been told you are now eligible for vaccination, please make those bookings as soon as possible. And continue to follow the hands, face, space, fresh air guidance.

“We’ve come so far – and it would be awful to risk that now."

Ministers say 86 local authorities have now reported five or more confirmed cases of the new variant.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the House of Commons on Monday that while the B1617.2 variant seemed more transmissible, the evidence suggested vaccines were effective against it.

A range of measures are being taken to tackle its spread, including accelerating second doses of vaccines for people over 50 and the clinically vulnerable, he added.