NEWS | Spread of Delta variant in Herefordshire is revealed by Public Health England

Public Health England data has revealed that cases of the Delta (Indian) variant continue to rise, with an infection rate of 16.6 cases per 100,000 population being recorded in this particular strain in Herefordshire in the seven day period ending 9th June.

That means that approximately 30 cases of the Delta variant were recorded in Herefordshire in that seven day period. Considerably up on previous weeks.

The spread of this particular variant has led to a potential delay in the easing of lockdown restrictions in England, with Boris Johnson expected to announce a delay when he addresses the nation this Monday. The 21st June had previously been lauded as ‘freedom day’ but after the news that the Indian variant could be up to 60% more transmissible and more resistant to the vaccines currently rolled out, it appears that the government is listening to scientific advisers and airing on the side of caution.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock announced earlier last week that the Delta variant now makes up over 90% of new cases in the UK and is now comfortably the dominant variant of COVID-19, especially in parts of England and Scotland.

42,000 hospitalisations and 14,000 deaths prevented by COVID-19 vaccine

PHE estimates that 14,000 deaths have now been prevented in people aged 60 years or older in England up to 30 May 2021 (11,800 deaths in individuals aged 80 years and older, 1,800 in individuals aged 70 to 79 and 400 in individuals aged 60 to 69 years).

Estimates also indicate that the vaccination programme has prevented around 42,000 hospitalisations in those aged 65 years and over in England (approximately 5,400 admissions in those aged 65 to 74, 16,300 in those aged 75 to 84 and 20,300 in those aged 85 and over).

The method for analysing the approximate number of deaths and hospitalisations prevented by the vaccine programme takes into account the impact of both first and second doses. However, it does not include the impact of vaccination on transmission, therefore the true impact of the vaccination programme is likely to be even greater.

Dr Jamie Lopez Bernal, Consultant Epidemiologist at PHE, said:

Getting 2 doses of the vaccine is absolutely vital to protect you and others against the variants in circulation in the UK. Remember that you must book your second jab when invited, to gain maximum protection.

The vaccines are very safe and very effective, and they will protect you and those around you from becoming seriously ill.

Health and Social Care Secretary, Matt Hancock said: 

Every single jab given means one more parent, sibling or loved one protected from this terrible disease. 

All those who have played a part in the efforts to vaccinate the nation can today look at these new figures and feel proud of what they’ve achieved, with 42,000 people kept out of hospital and over 14,000 lives saved. 

We’ve had a fantastic response to the opening up of the vaccine programme to over 25s with over a million appointments booked on Tuesday, but the battle isn’t over yet – I urge all those yet to book to join the fight and get the jab.

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.