Data shows number of Indian coronavirus variant found in Watford

Mayor Peter Taylor has confirmed that he was aware of the new variant being present in Watford, stating that Covid-19 cases in general have increased across the town over the last week.

Now data from the Wellcome Sanger Institute reveals just how much the Indian coronavirus variant has increased across Watford and other areas in the UK.

The variant was detected in 127 local authorities in the week ending May 8 – compared with 71 in the week before – however 40 of these areas identified only one case.

In Watford there were 1.50 sequences of the B.1.617.2 Indian variant in the last week, compared to 210 sequenced in Bolton – the area of most concern.

Three Rivers also had 1.50 sequences of the variant in the last week, and Hertsmere had 0.50.

The darker the colour, the higher the proportion of sequences of the variant were found

The data map available only shows samples that have been processed and sequenced with the Indian variant, not the real number of total cases.

Speaking in the Commons on Monday afternoon, Health Secretary Matt Hancock said there were now 2,323 confirmed cases of the Indian variant in the UK, of which 483 were in Bolton and in Blackburn with Darwen.

The next biggest area of concern was Bedford, where testing was also now being surged, Mr Hancock said, and he added 86 local authorities across England have recorded five or more cases of the variant.

After receiving a public health briefing yesterday afternoon, the Observer was told by the town's mayor that cases of the India variant had been found in Watford.

He said: "There have been cases of the new variant locally. Case rates have increased across the town over the last week. The cases are spread across the younger age groups generally and we are seeing some community spread which is indicative of families starting to mix more."

Over the last 10 days, at least 52 Covid cases (of any variant) have been found in Watford, according to figures published on the Government's Covid dashboard.

The town currently has the 12th highest Covid rate in England at 46.6 cases per 100,000 population (45 cases) in the seven days to May 13, although this is a drop from around 50.0 a few days before - and more than 20 times lower than Christmas and New Year.

In the Commons yesterday, the Health Secretary said the majority of people admitted to hospital in Bolton, which has seen the biggest outbreak of B1.617.2 variant, had been eligible for the jab but had not taken it up.

As a result, the Mayor of Watford has urged people to get vaccinated if eligible.

He said: It is so important with the increase in cases, and the new variants, that we all stay safe despite the lifting of restrictions.

"Meeting outside continues to be the safest way along with limiting the number of people you mix with.

"If you are eligible for the vaccine, please go and get it. This really is the best way not only to protect you but also your loved ones and the wider community.

"We are now seeing in areas like Bedford how quickly case rates can change, so please also get tested regularly, stay outside as much as possible when socialising and get vaccinated when you can."