PEOPLE in Bradford are being warned to be "extra vigilant" amid fears the mutant strain of Covid-19 could become more common in the next few weeks. 

Professor John Wright, an epidemiologist based at the Bradford Royal Infirmary, said there are low levels in Bradford and Yorkshire has some of the lowest levels in the UK of the new strain, with less than five per cent of cases being the new strain

However, he warned: "We should be anticipating if it is more transmissible, that it will take off much quicker."

"We've got to be extra, extra cautious."

Prof Wright added: "We don't know enough about it, it's still early days.

"It does seem to be, we can catch it quicker, and easier, than the older strain."

While it would appear to be more infectious, Prof Wright said it doesn't appear to be worse for patients clinically or that symptoms will be worse, therefore suggesting the vaccine will still work.

But, he warned: "It's really important that we are extra vigilant."

News of the new strain led to a turbulent week, triggering tighter restrictions and the cancellation of Christmas plans for millions of people and the temporary shutdown of many travel and trade routes from the UK.

On December 14, Health Secretary Matt Hancock told MPs a new strain of coronavirus had been identified in southern England, with the number of cases involving the new variant “increasing rapidly”.

Tougher restrictions were imposed on London and parts of Essex and Hertfordshire following “very sharp, exponential rises” in cases.

More places were moved into Tier 3 at the end of last week, and on Saturday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson moved vast swathes of London and eastern and south-east England into a newly-created Tier 4 for two weeks – effectively returning to the lockdown rules of November – after scientists warned of the rapid spread of the new variant VUI 202012/01.

For the rest of England, the planned Christmas easing of the restrictions – allowing three households to meet over the festive period – was severely curtailed to apply to Christmas Day only. 

Many countries have now banned British people from travelling to them due to the new highly infectious strain, of Covid-19 which emerged in the South East.

Meanwhile, the Health Secretary warned that tough new Covid controls could be in place for months and admitted the mutant new strain of the virus is running “out of control”.

Sir Patrick Vallance, the Government's chief scientific adviser, said cases of the mutant coronavirus strain are appearing “everywhere”.

Professor Robert Dingwall, commitee member of the the New and Emerging Respiratory Virus Threats Advisory Group (Nervtag) said new variant of coronavirus is more transmissible because those who contract it produce more of the infection in their nose and mouth, meaning they will breathe more of it into the air.

Prof Dingwall, who is a leading medical sociologist and sits in committee meetings with Nervtag virologists every week, said: “My understanding of it is that you are producing more of the infection in the upper respiratory tract and the virus is reproducing faster so that there is more to go into the air, to pass from one person to another.

“It doesn’t travel further, but having produced more it also has properties that make it easier to take over cells in person that it enters into.”

People in West Yorkshire are being urged to consider the consequences of their actions  over Christmas - and how they might affect the delivery of local services.

Rob Webster, CEO Lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership, said: “When Covid-19 rates increase, this places demand and pressure on health and care services, including those delivered by Voluntary Community and Social Enterprise partners, during one of the busiest times of year for colleagues.

"Please do consider how to stay safe and not take unnecessary risks – Covid-19 thrives on complacency and human contact. It is disappointing to be unable to celebrate this festive season as we usually would but there are alternative ways to keep in touch within the guidance. Not doing so could cost lives.”

Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Planning and Transport, said: “It’s vital that people show their support for our local businesses by shopping local, and safely, over this festive season.

"I encourage everyone to give gifts that give twice – once to loved ones and a second time to protect local jobs and businesses.

"We all need to double our efforts to ensure this is done safely. It may take a little bit more time and effort, but following all the COVID-safe guidance will reduce infections, hospitalisations and deaths.”

If visiting a town/city centre, remember the following:

  • Wear a face covering, where applicable
  • Keep 2 metres distance from others not in your household/support bubble
  • Regularly wash your hands or use hand sanitiser (provided in all shops for customer use)
  • Do not meet with friends or family indoors in any setting – this includes shops - unless they are part of your household/support bubble
  • Where you can, plan your shopping times at quieter times and check shop opening times (many shops are operating longer trading hours)