Tooting: Nearly 200 delta variant cases within borough in last week

Almost 200 cases of the Covid Delta variant have been detected in Wandsworth in the last week.

The highly contagious Delta variant, first identified in India was found in 1,250 cases in Wandsworth by July 7 – 191 more cases than the week before, according to Public Health England (PHE).

However it is not leading to the same increase in hospitalisations or deaths at present.

On Tuesday (July 13), 220 Covid cases (all strains) were recorded in Wandsworth, the second highest case number since January 18 in the borough.

Two coronavirus deaths were last recorded in Wandsworth were on July 7, with 50 deaths registered in the UK on July 13. No deaths have been recorded in the borough since, as of July 14.

As of July 9, St George's Hospital had one Covid-19 positive patient in intensive care and 10 Covid patients being cared for on other wards.

In the last week, 25,158 cases of the Delta variant were recorded in London, which is currently the second-worst affected region in England after the North West with over 60,000 Delta variant cases.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UKHSA and head of NHS Test and Trace, said: "The data continues to show that the sharp increase in cases that we are seeing is not being followed by a similar increase in hospitalisation and death.

"This is because two doses of the available vaccines offer a high level of protection against the Delta variant.

"Getting both jabs is the best way to ensure you and the people you love remain safe, so we once again urge everyone to come forward as soon as they are eligible."

Dr Harries added: "As we approach the planned end of restrictions, we must remain cautious and careful.

"Cases are rising across the country, and whilst the vaccines offer excellent protection, they do not offer 100 per cent protection.

"Be sensible, and follow 'hands, face, space, fresh air' at all times and make sure to get tested if required."

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