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THE Indian Covid variant has been found in Herefordshire, official data shows.

According to the data, in the two weeks to May 8, the B.1.617.2 Covid variant was found in the county.

The Wellcome Sanger Institute has been tracking the variant's spread in England with help from Public Health England.

Its data shows there were four cases of the variant identified in Herefordshire per week during this fortnight period, but does not give a more-specific location.

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That is lower than 210 in Bolton, which has been identified as one of the hotspots of the new variant.

The Hereford Times has contacted Herefordshire Council's public health team for comment, but last week a GP in the county admitted he was worried about Covid variants.

Ledbury Reporter: Dr Simon Lennane has admitted he's concerned about Covid variants Dr Simon Lennane has admitted he's concerned about Covid variants

Ross-on-Wye GP Dr Simon Lennane said: "The main risk now is new ‘variants of concern'.

"High case rates in other countries allow the virus to mutate, and the worry is that the change may make our current vaccines less effective.

"The lack of monitoring for people coming from high risk countries has left us susceptible to these new variants, and we should be learning from those countries that have aimed for and managed a zero-Covid approach."

Amid continuing concern about the fast spreading variant – first identified in India – invitations have gone out to 37-year-olds to book their coronavirus jab.

There are fears the new Indian variant could jeopardise future plans to ease restrictions.

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At the same time, over 50s are having their second jabs brought forward on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

It comes as some scientists warn the variant could lead to a deadly new wave of the virus.

The Times reported that ministers are considering contingency plans for local lockdowns if the strain cannot be brought under control.

In the Commons on Monday, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there were now 2,323 confirmed cases of the Indian strain in the UK, with 86 local authority areas recording at least five.

Worst hit have been Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen – where it is now the dominant strain with a total of 483 cases across the two areas – followed by Bedford.

Ledbury Reporter: People queuing for Covid vaccinations at the ESSA academy in Bolton as the spread of the Indian coronavirus variant could lead to the return of local lockdowns. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire People queuing for Covid vaccinations at the ESSA academy in Bolton as the spread of the Indian coronavirus variant could lead to the return of local lockdowns. Picture: Danny Lawson/PA Wire

The authorities have responded by deploying “surge” vaccinations and testing in virus hotspots in an attempt to curb the spread of the disease.

However, Mr Hancock expressed frustration that of the 19 hospital cases in Bolton, the majority had not had the vaccine, even though they were eligible.

Ledbury Reporter: Health Secretary Matt Hancock makes a statement to the House about the Covid-19 pandemic, and the latest scientific assessment on the Indian variant. Picture: House of Commons/PA Wire Health Secretary Matt Hancock makes a statement to the House about the Covid-19 pandemic, and the latest scientific assessment on the Indian variant. Picture: House of Commons/PA Wire

Despite concerns the Indian variant is even more transmissible than the dominant Kent strain, the latest easing of lockdown restrictions went ahead as planned on Monday across most of England, Scotland and Wales.

It meant pubs and restaurants were able to welcome customers inside while people were able to socialise indoors and to hug family and friends outside their own households.

However ministers have warned the final lifting of lockdown restrictions in England, set for June 21, may have to be delayed if the new variant continues to spread.

Downing Street said on Monday that updates on plans for domestic coronavirus “passports”, announcements on easing social distancing requirements and further guidance on weddings, due later this month, could now be put back.