The Delta variant is dominant in the UK and appears twice as likely to lead to hospital admission as the Kent strain, Public Health England has said. Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “With this variant now dominant across the UK, it remains vital that we continue to exercise caution, particularly while we learn more about transmission and health impacts.”
Government figures showed 5,274 new cases, with the seven-day average up 39 per cent. There were 18 deaths within 28 days of a positive test, with the seven day average down 5 per cent. A PHE report showed that after taking into account factors such as age, ethnicity and vaccination status, people who tested positive for the Indian variant were at 161 per cent higher risk of needing hospital treatment within 14 days. They were 67 per cent more likely to attend A&E or be admitted to hospital. Only 5 percent of 137 people admitted to hospital with the variant after an A&E visit were fully vaccinated. Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen remained the most affected areas. The highest rate was in those aged 10 to 19, at 72.3 per 100,000 population.
