Watford residents have reacted to news that the notoriously transmissible Indian variant of Covid has been detected in the area.
The strain, thought up to 50 per cent easier to spread, has overwhelmed Indian health services and is believed to be responsible for sharp Covid increases in parts of England such as Bolton.
Mayor Peter Taylor confirmed cases have been found locally, but Hertfordshire’s director for public health said the number in the county is currently “not a serious concern”.
But he did warn the next month could be “bumpy” after restrictions eased – adding an outbreak that “could affect a lot of people” may occur in just 16 days’ time.
Bari Hadi, 24, said: “To be honest it doesn’t worry me, first there was the African and Brazilian variants, and now this one, it will keep continuing – transportation is the main reason – they should stop flights coming in and out the country.”
However, 18-year-old Bellecia Kearney said she is “a bit worried” because people often unknowingly spread the virus while being asymptomatic.
She added: “In High Street, Watford, a lot of people are not wearing masks, and those wearing badges or lanyards saying they are exempt concerns me because it doesn’t say why, and a lot of people are purchasing them on Ebay and Amazon.”
Judy Hyams, 64, from Abbotts Langley, said: “I feel a bit nervous but it’s not going to stop me doing anything though because I’ve had both my jabs.”
The property events organiser said she worries about restrictions not being lifted in June because it would affect her job.
Full-time psychology student Mia, 22, also said she wasn’t overly concerned, adding: “We have dealt with this before – it’s too early to know the differences with this one compared to others and what the transmission is like.”
Another psychology student, Harry, added: “I like looking at the scientific research journals and the research has not been fully carried out yet.
“Under the assumption that the vaccine is fully effective, I can’t see the concern.”
Government scientists have said it is too early to say whether the vaccines are fully effective against the new variant.
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