South Derbyshire has third highest share of Covid variant in county

THE number of Delta Covid-19 variant cases in Derbyshire has doubled to more than 400 infections of the new strain but hospital inpatient levels remain low.

A total of 429 cases of the Delta variant – which originated in India – have been recorded in Derbyshire up to June 16.

This is up from at least 215 in the previous week and every area of the county has now clocked variant cases into the double figures.

The High Peak continues to bear the brunt of the largest share of Delta infections, with a total of 182, up from 127 the week before.

South Derbyshire has the third highest share of Delta variant cases in the county and has seen a sizeable increase in the space of a week, now recording 44 cases, up from 10 the week before.

Here are the cases for the other Derbyshire districts, ordered by number of infections:

■Erewash - 37, up from 15

■Derbyshire Dales - 31, up from 12

■North East Derbyshire - 29, up from 14

■Chesterfield - 27, up from 11

■Amber Valley - 12, up from fewer than five

■Bolsover - 10, up from fewer than five

The Delta variant is more transmissible than other versions of the Covid-19 virus, and is more likely to hospitalise patients who contract it, research has shown.

Chesterfield Royal Hospital staff are currently treating one Covid-19 patient and its intensive care unit does contain any patients with the virus.

There are two Covid positive patients at Royal Derby Hospital, with none in its ICU (Intensive Care Unit) , and one patient with the virus at Queen’s Hospital in Burton, in its ICU. Dr Magnus Harrison, deputy chief executive at the Derby and Burton hospitals trust, has said: “I know with very few Covid-19 patients in our hospitals it can be tempting to let our guard down, but we need to stick to the task.”

All adults in England can now book their Covid vaccination, and this is being hailed as an important moment in Staffordshire.

The county council has been urging younger people to do their bit and not delay in booking their Covid jab and this advice is extended to the final 18-20 age group. Case rates have been rising in Staffordshire and are up across much of England. Much of the rise is being driven by young people, a Public Health England study suggests.

Dr Richard Harling, the county council’s director of health and care, said: “This is an important moment in our fight against the virus – every adult can now book their Covid vaccination, protect themselves and help prevent transmissions spiralling out of control.”