The 10 pockets of England where levels of new Delta Plus mutation are highest
The Covid-19 mutation nicknamed Delta Plus may now account for up to two in five cases in parts of England, research shows.
Officials designated the strain, officially called AY.4.2, a ‘variant under investigation’ on October 20.
They have said it may spread more easily than the standard Delta strain, but there is no evidence that it cause more serious illness.
There is also no evidence that the three Covid vaccines used in the UK are any less effective against the new strain.
Preliminary findings from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, one of the research bodies that works with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), show potential hotspots.
It analysed more than 26,000 positive Covid-19 tests from the week to October 30.
These are the areas of England which saw the highest proportion of Delta Plus samples.
1. Mid-Devon
Mid-Devon was found to have the highest proportion of Delta Plus cases, at 42%.
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2. Torridge
Torridge in North Devon came second, with 41% of samples being the Delta Plus variant.
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3. Milton Keynes
In Milton Keynes, Delta Plus made up 37% of tested Covid samples.
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4. East Lindsey
In East Lindsey, Lincolnshire, Delta Plus made up 35% of tested Covid samples.
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