First cases of Indian variant of Covid confirmed in Sheffield

Sheffield City Council has confirmed that there has been a ‘small number’ of cases of the Indian variant of Covid-19 in the city.
By Lloyd Bent
Published 18th May 2021, 20:49 BST
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The Indian variant, which is significantly more infectious than other strains of the virus, is behind spikes in the number of cases in other parts of the country, including Bolton.

Sheffield’s director of public health Greg Fell confirmed the presence of the strain in Sheffield today (May 18). The exact number has not been confirmed.

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Nurses at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield preparing the first COVID Pfizer vaccine doses.Nurses at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield preparing the first COVID Pfizer vaccine doses.
Nurses at the Northern General Hospital, Sheffield preparing the first COVID Pfizer vaccine doses.
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It is also not known what proportion of new cases in Sheffield detected are the Indian variant.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson today said it was not possible to say whether the spread of the Indian variant would impact the progress of the Government’s roadmap out of lockdown.

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On Monday (May 17) the next step in the roadmap was taken, with people now allowed to meet insdie within groups of six, and outdoors in groups of up to 30.

The latest changes saw hospitality businesses open up.

Related topics:SheffieldSheffield City CouncilBoris Johnson