You may have recently heard or read about a new variant that was first identified in India emerging in the UK, including in London – so what is it and why are we hearing more about it? ⬇️ #Covid19
The variant, technically known as B.1.617 or VUI-21Apr-01, was first reported in the Maharashtra region of India in early March and cases have since been found in the UK, including in London. Latest numbers are published here 👇
It has been designated a Variant Under Investigation (VUI) by PHE. This is less serious than Variants of Concern (VOCs), such as our dominant UK variant first found in Kent or the variant first found in South Africa, but we still want to track it closely.
This is because it contains mutations that may be associated with changes in the way the virus behaves. Although there’s no evidence to suggest it is more serious than our dominant variant here in the UK, we are taking a highly precautionary approach to limit spread.
That means active follow-up of cases and their contacts, PCR testing of identified contacts and sequencing of the results, and actively working with places that individuals may have visited to find any additional cases.
There are currently no plans to introduce surge testing in relation to this variant as the vast majority of cases are linked to travel, but that will be kept under review as we learn more.
In the meantime, the best thing all Londoners can do to protect themselves is stick to the basics of Hands, Face, Space and Fresh Air and get tested regularly. This remains the most effective way to avoid catching or spreading all known variants.
In addition, we should take up the vaccine when it is offered, and if you are returning from travel make sure you strictly adhere to all self-isolation requirements to avoid the spread of new variants.
All of these actions will allow us to prevent transmission and help keep us on track as we aim to further relax restrictions this summer. #KeepLondonSafe
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1/5
Every day at home is helping to stop the spread of #COVID19 in the capital.
We've come a long way in London over the past few months and that is down to all of us making sacrifices. However, we know how quickly cases can rise so let's keep going!
2/5 It's still vital that everyone remains at home while the national lockdown continues.
Doing this will allow us to be in the best possible place when further restrictions lift on 29 March and when decisions are made about step 2 of the roadmap.
2/8 There is no doubt that the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on BAME groups across the UK. @FPH, @HealthFdn and now @LondonADPH have all implicated racism as a key factor influencing the mounting data.
3/8 Addressing the inherent social and structural components shows how racism permeates our everyday lives.
Geography, deprivation, housing, employment, occupational exposure, mental and physical health are all factors skewed to negatively impact the health of BAME communities.
1/10 Sadly, ethnicity continues to be a major factor in the health outcomes of Londoners in the 2nd wave. Asian communities have experienced the highest case rates and deaths to date, followed by Black communities.
2/10This is different to the 1st wave, when Black Londoners experienced the highest case rates and deaths, followed by Asian Londoners. That said, in either wave, both groups continued to have higher case and deaths rates than their White counterparts.
1/7 Declaring a major incident is not a decision that is taken lightly. After discussions with @MayorofLondon, @NHSEnglandLDN and other partners across the city, it was agreed this step was needed, reflecting the seriousness of our current situation. #LondonMajorIncident#COVID19
2/7 #London is at a critical point of this pandemic, with some of our boroughs showing the highest figures in the country, and over half of them with rates exceeding 1000/100,000. We’re currently seeing around 800 people a day admitted to hospital as infections continue to rise.
3/7
We unfortunately expect these admissions to increase over the next two weeks. Not only is this putting extraordinary pressure on @NHSEnglandLDN, it’s impacting @Ldn_Ambulance who need more staff to drive the ambulances required...
2/8 The excellent @IainBellONS explained how socioeconomic factors account for much of the disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities: high risk occupations/less likely to work from home, living in multi-generational households, densely populated urban living, deprivation.
London is in a delicate situation and if we want to avoid Tier 3 restrictions it is vital we all keep the risk of transmission down by strictly following the rules this weekend #KeepLondonSafe#COVID19
Levels of #COVID19 remain high across London, even in boroughs that have shown recent declines. We must all keep in mind that the virus is still present.
Whether you are shopping, eating out or meeting friends outdoors this weekend, it is so important to remain vigilant and stick to the Tier 2 rules below