Dozens of confirmed cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus have been recorded in Bracknell Forest, new figures reveal.

The Covid-19 mutation that originated in India – now known as the Delta variant – is now believed to be dominant in the UK, with evidence suggesting it may be more dangerous than the Kent variation.

Figures published by Public Health England show 11 cases of the Delta variant were recorded in Bracknell by June 4.

A total of 12,431 cases of the Delta variant had been confirmed in the UK by June 2, up 79% from the previous week’s total of 6,959.

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Of these, 10,797 (87%) were in England, 1,511 (12%) in Scotland, 97 in Wales and 26 in Northern Ireland.

A PHE risk assessment found that vaccines were less effective against the strain compared to the Kent mutation – or Alpha variant.

Bracknell News:

The findings also suggest people are more at risk of hospital admission if infected with the Delta variant, though PHE cautioned that “more data is needed to have more confidence in that finding”.

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 all continue to exercise as much caution as possible.

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“The way to tackle variants is to tackle the transmission of Covid-19 as a whole.

"Work from home where you can, and practice ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.

“If you are eligible and have not already done so, please come forward to be vaccinated and make sure you get your second jab. It will save lives.”