One case of Indian variant is confirmed

A CASE of the Indian variant of Covid-19 has been identified in Staffordshire, it has been confirmed.

It was confirmed in Tamworth after being picked up by random sampling of all positive tests at the end of April. The resident is thought to have passed the virus on to two members of their household.

A spokesman for Staffordshire County Council has said they are all now isolating and contacts have been traced and tested as a precaution. It is thought that the person contracted the variant outside of Staffordshire, and there is no evidence that it has spread to the wider community, the spokesman added.

The Indian variant of Covid-19 is being monitored closely by Public Health England.

Dr Richard Harling, the council’s director for health and care, said: “We have been working with Public Health England to trace all contacts of this case. There has been very limited contact with others outside the household, and these have been thoroughly traced and tested to ensure there is no further spread.

“After tracing all movements and contacts of this case, we believe the variant originated outside of Staffordshire, so this appears to be an isolated case that has not spread to the wider community.

“This case shows the importance of getting tested regularly. Regular testing allows us to pick up on cases, even those showing no symptoms, and isolate any potential contacts to prevent further spread of the infection.”