A project that maps genomic data of coronavirus variants has identified where cases are in England.
In the two weeks up to 8 May 30 cases of the variant have been recorded in Nottingham city, Gedling has recorded 8.5 cases and Broxtowe 4 cases.
In the same two week period Nottingham city recorded 183 total cases of the virus.
In the previous period measured – the two weeks up to 1 May 13 cases had been identified in the city, increasing to the 30 by 8 May.
*Statistics noted represent a lineage’s average number of genomes per week, or the proportion of genomes, calculated over a two-week period ending on the date selected. Dates reflect the date on which the sample was collected.
Rushcliffe, Bassetlaw, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood and Mansfield have no cases in the same two week period.
David Johns, Interim Director of Public Health in Nottingham, said: “Public Health England often informs us of variants of Covid-19 and given that the latest Variant of Concern is emerging around the country, I would urge people to stay safe and follow the Step Two guidance at this time, and take regular tests as we move towards unlocking our city at Step Three.”
Most cases of the Variant of Concern are being followed-up individually by NHS Test and Trace teams.
Some of the cases have been found in shared, private accommodation in Nottingham.
Nottingham City Council is working with partners from Public Health England and the NHS to carry out targeted testing in these shared buildings in the city centre and Radford over the next two weeks.
Dr Johns added: “In areas of the city where we know the variant is present we are carrying out further targeted testing. I would like to thank everyone who so far has come forward to take a test. We need everybody’s help with this. If you are asked to come forward for test, please work with our teams and get tested at the earliest opportunity.
“Targeted testing is part of the Government’s response to Coronavirus variants of concern, allowing us to quickly identify any other cases in order to monitor the potential spread of the virus. We are working closely with Public Health England and other partners to ensure this happens quickly and smoothly.”
Pupils and parents of Henry Whipple Primary in Bestwood are being asked to take a Covid-19 test after Public Health England identified cases of coronavirus related to a ‘variant of concern’.
Targeted testing will take place at the school as a precautionary measure from Monday 17 May to Friday 21 May.
It follows testing for the same variant – known as VOC-21APR-02 – in large, shared accommodation blocks in the city centre this week.
