Three cases of the Covid-19 Indian variant have been confirmed in Southend.
Southend Council confirmed the latest figure today, while data shows up to two more cases of the Indian variant have been detected in Basildon.
It follows concerns the fast-spreading variant would impact the next step on the roadmap out of lockdown, set for June 21.
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Public Health England has been tracking the spread of the B.1.617.2 mutation – which originated in India – by testing positive Covid-19 cases across the country for an "S-gene".
The gene is not present in the dominant Kent variant, which was responsible for a surge in cases over the winter, but is present in other variants of concern, including those from India.
Providing the June 21 changes go ahead, the government hope to be in a position to remove all legal limits on social contact.
The work from home message is also expected to be lifted.
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