Covid-19 cases of the Indian variant are 'very low' in Bracknell Forest but residents have been urged not to become complacent, the council has said.

New data revealed earlier this week (May 19) that the new B.1.617 strain of coronavirus has been detected in Bracknell Forest.

Bracknell Forest Council (BFC)has reassured residents that "all of the cases with the Indian variant have been linked to travel (not community transmission) and are very "low in number."

Read more: Indian Covid variant found in Bracknell 

Bracknell News:

However,  if there are cases detected in Bracknell Forest that are not travel related then the council will be ready to commence surge testing with guidance from Public Health England.

Charlotte Pavitt, the consultant in public health, said: “The number of COVID-19 cases of the B.1.617 Variant of Concern (VOC), the variant first seen in India, is very low in Bracknell Forest. 

"There is, therefore, no current requirement to introduce surge testing in the borough. Currently, these very few cases have been linked to travel rather than community transmission. If we see cases that are not travel related then we will do a risk assessment with Public Health England to see whether surge testing or an increased focus on vaccination is required."

ALSO READ: Police officer struck by red Range Rover in Stoney Road, Bracknell

Residents are being asked to continue to regularly wash their hands, wear a mask (unless exempt), keep their distance and ensuring suitable ventilation when inside.

Rapid tests (LFT) are also encouraged to do twice a week at home and if a positive test is received you and your household must self-isolate straight away and book a standard PCR test. 

BFC is encouraging this "even if you have no symptoms, and/or you have been vaccinated."