Overall, the number of infections in the UK is very low with a nationwide 7-day incidence of around 23. Regionally, however, there has been an increase again in recent weeks, which is partly attributed to the variant that was first discovered in India. According to official data, the number of cases of variant B.1.617.2 detected in Great Britain has doubled to a good 1,300 cases within one week.
According to British experts, the variant is more easily transferable than the previously predominant virus variants, including the British variant B.1.1.7. This is what Prime Minister Boris Johnson said in London. It is not yet clear how much faster the variant will spread, the conservative politician added. In the worst case, the country would face difficult decisions.
So far, the timetable is not in jeopardy with further opening steps on Monday, said Johnson. The interval between the first and second vaccination is now to be shortened from twelve to eight weeks for the over 50-year-old group. „There is no evidence that the vaccines are less effective,“ said Johnson.
