Dozens more cases of the Delta variant of the coronavirus have been recorded in Bedford over the past week, new figures reveal.
But the British Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) said the sharp rise in cases across England was not followed by a similar rise in hospitalizations and deaths.
Figures from Public Health England (PHE) show that 1,345 cases of the Delta variant – first identified in India – had been recorded in Bedford on July 7.
This was 70 more than the 1,275 cases recorded the week before.
Those identified in the past week were among 8,593 cases of the variant recorded in the east of England – the least affected of the nine regions of England.
The Northwest continued to have the highest number identified, with 60,669 cases of the Delta variant recorded there.
Across the UK, an additional 54,268 cases were recorded last week to reach a total of 216,249, an increase of 34%.
PHE said the Delta variant currently accounts for around 99% of sequenced cases in the UK.
UKHSA chief executive Dr Jenny Harries said: “The data continues to show that the sharp increase in cases we are seeing is not followed by a similar increase in hospitalizations and deaths.
“This is because two doses of the available vaccines provide a high level of protection against the Delta variant.
“Getting both jabs is the best way to ensure that you and the people you love stay safe, so we once again urge everyone to come forward as soon as they are eligible.”
Different PHE figures show that until June 21, the majority of people admitted to hospital with the Delta variant in England were unvaccinated – around three-quarters of those under 50 and one-third of those 50 and over .
As of June 21, there had been 257 deaths in England of people confirmed to have this strain of coronavirus and died within 28 days of testing positive.
Dr Harries added: “As we approach the expected end of restrictions, we must remain cautious and cautious.
“Cases are increasing across the country, and while vaccines offer great protection, they don’t offer 100% protection.
“Be reasonable and follow ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times and be sure to get tested if necessary.”
Of the 216,249 cases recorded in the UK, 180,643 were identified in England, 28,559 in Scotland, 3,666 in Wales and 3,381 in Northern Ireland.
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Source: www.bedfordtoday.co.uk
This notice was published: 2021-07-09 16:18:45
