While all regions have recorded a rise, the North West is seeing the biggest spike in case numbers as health authorities race to tackle the spread of the Indian variant and boost vaccination efforts. This is the highest for the region since the week ending February 28, and also the steepest of any region in England. Case rates in England among all age groups have risen, with the highest rate among 10 to 19-year-olds, the PHE found. He said it "is believed to be part of why that variant (South African) is less well neutralised by vaccines". He explained this Indian variant plus the K417N mutation has been seen in numerous countries, including the UK, Portugal, the USA, India, Nepal and Japan.

Source: Daily Mirror June 03, 2021 20:43 UTC