CASES of a new variant of coronavirus have been identified in Warrington.
The new mutation, referred to as E484K, has been confirmed in the town, as well as in St Helens, the Liverpool City Region and Lancashire.
At present, it is believed that the number of people that have contracted the variant in the borough is less than 10.
There is currently no indication that this version of the virus is more transmissible or results in more serious illness.
Work by Public Health England is ongoing to identify if the variant is more resistant to antibodies.
This mutation of the virus is different to the South African variant, which has been identified in Southport and other places in the UK this week.
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Warrington Borough Council says it is supporting enhanced testing and contact tracing throughout the town, which will help to reduce the virus’ transmission.
National restrictions currently in place will also help to slow the spread of the virus and combat the new variant.
Residents are reminded to remain vigilant, but to also be aware that this new strain of Covid-19 should not cause further alarm.
Thara Raj, Warrington’s director of public health, said: “Understandably, some residents may be concerned about cases of this new Covid-19 variant in Warrington, but all viruses mutate over time so this should not cause any further alarm.
“We are monitoring the situation closely and all necessary public health interventions are being undertaken, including enhanced contact tracing and control measures.
“We will continue to monitor this variant with our partners.
“The best way to stop the spread of the virus regardless of its strain is to follow the basic hands, face, space measures that we are already doing brilliantly.
“As always, the best defence is to follow these rules and stay at home as much as possible, which will help to stop the spread of this variant and any other cases of Covid-19.”
The council is urging people to continue sticking to the prevention basics of washing your hands regularly, wearing a face covering when appropriate and keeping a safe distance from others.
As well as following these basics, those who develop any Covid-19 symptoms, no matter how mild, should self-isolate immediately and book an NHS test.
NHS PCR tests are available seven days a week for anyone showing coronavirus symptoms, no matter how mild.
You can book a test at NHS test at gov.uk/get-coronavirus-test or by calling 119.
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Alongside the three main symptoms of coronavirus (a high temperature, persistent cough and a loss of smell or taste), some people may experience other symptoms that may turn out to be coronavirus.
The list of other symptoms you could experience include: diarrhoea, a persistent headache, fever and chills, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, and nausea or vomiting.
Some people also experience very mild, cold-like symptoms, which could also be coronavirus.
If you develop any of these symptoms, you should also book an NHS PCR test.
If you do not have the classic symptoms when you are booking a coronavirus test, click the ‘I don’t have any symptoms’ option.
When asked why you are booking the test, click the option ‘my local council or health protection team has asked me (or someone I live with) to get a test, even though I do not have symptoms’.
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