Indian variant 'will not affect Government roadmap' - expert says
The easing of lockdown restrictions will not be affected by the Indian variant of Covid, an expert has said.
Dr Arthur Hosie, a microbiologist at Staffordshire University, has said the variant which originated in India may be more transmissible, similarly to the Kent variant.
But that he does not think the Government's roadmap will be altered.
It comes after a "very small number" of cases were found in Dudley, and last week a probable case was discovered in Sandwell.
Dr Hosie said: "There is concern that this has increased in dominance in India rapidly and there is preliminary data that suggest there has been a rapid rise in the UK. However, it is hard to unpick if this is due to a change in virus biology or human behaviour.
"The delay in implementing travel restrictions, placing India on the red list, will inevitably have impacted here. But it may be that it is more transmissible, much in the way the “Kent” variant is.
"Finding this in the Midlands is not a particular concern but does serve as a timely reminder of the need for continued vigilance, social distancing and testing.
"I do not think the government will alter the road map. I hope however that they urge caution and reinforce the key public health messages about the importance of ventilation, wearing of masks and social distancing.
"I would hope that surge testing will rapidly be put in place to suppress transmission where these variants are found and people will isolate immediately whenever they test positive or develop covid-19 symptoms.
"We must not be complacent now that a significant proportion of the population is immunised – much of society remains vulnerable to infection and the consequences of covid-19. Getting vaccinated when invited to do so is vitally important."
Dr Hosie also said the relaxation of travel restrictions was a concern.
He added: "Grant Shapps is announcing the relaxation of travel restrictions. This is a concern as within 'green' countries, travellers will most likely mix with others from places where cases are higher. To enable international travel at the same time as enabling mixing indoors in the UK will inevitably result in an increase in cases within the UK. How much is difficult to predict."
