Boris Johnson has hinted at local lockdowns to deal with a fast-spreading Indian coronavirus variant which has seen cases almost double in a week. The prime minister said that he was “anxious” about the variant and the government “will not hesitate” to impose local measures if needed to “grip” surging cases. SponsoredDominic Cummings, the prime minister’s former chief aide, suggested this afternoon that Monday’s easing of lockdown should be postponed amid mounting concern that the B.1.617.2 variant could lead to a severe third wave. Blackburn has begun surge vaccination of all adults in an effort to stem the rise of the variant, in a move not approved by the government. NHS England is demanding to know why the town is contravening age-based priority lists, in

Source: The Times May 13, 2021 11:02 UTC