Confirmed Cases Of COVID-19 Variants Identified In UK - 16 July 2021

Latest updates on SARS-CoV-2 variants detected in UK.

Public Health England (PHE) releases weekly updates on the number of confirmed new cases of variants of concern and variants under investigation identified in the UK.

PHE’s weekly COVID-19 variant cases data shows that numbers of the Delta (VOC-21APR-02) variant in the UK have risen by 36,800 since last week to a total of 253,049. This represents a 17% increase. Of these, 45 are the Delta AY.1 sub lineage. The Delta variant currently accounts for approximately 99% of cases that are sequenced across the UK.

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said:


"Case rates are still high and rising, but it is encouraging that the increase in cases still does not appear to be associated with a similar increase in hospitalisations and deaths. This is testament to the continued success of the vaccination programme in reducing the incidence of severe disease.

"The best way to keep yourself and those around you safe is to get both doses of the vaccine as soon as you are eligible. However, while vaccines offer excellent protection, they do not completely eliminate risk. As we approach the end of restrictions, it is as important as ever that we continue to exercise caution. Take your free twice-weekly rapid tests and if you have symptoms, you should book a PCR test immediately and stay at home until you receive your result."