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Gateshead's public health director says people should be extra vigilant in the face of new variants of Covid-19.

In recent days, cases of the so-called Indian variant have been discovered in Newcastle and North Tyneside.

A total of 19 cases have been detected across north-east England, three were said to be travel-related but no further information has been provided on where the cases are.

Alice Wiseman (pictured) says the problem is being closely monitored and the public need to be cautious in the days ahead.

"We're working together across local authorities to make sure we have that broader understanding of where those cases are because we know that our communities live, work and go to school in many different areas, so it's important we work collectively on that," she said.

"Whilst the numbers aren't high at the moment we have seen other parts of the country where cases have risen rapidly so we are watching them."

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From Monday, people will be able to hug and socialise indoors, more businesses - such as cinemas, theatres and bingo halls - can reopen and pubs and restaurants can serve customers indoors.

County Durham's director of public health Amanda Healy said: "There'll always be variants and we do just need to be cautious, that's why we'll be encouraging people to test regularly and the really important thing is for people to take up the vaccine.

"But also have some enjoyment - venues have worked incredibly hard, whether it's a gym, cinema or restaurant to welcome people back in as safe a way as possible."

Image source, Getty Images

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Daniel Holland
Local Democracy Reporter

There have been 19 cases of the so-called Indian variant of Covid-19 detected across the North East – although health bosses say the numbers here remain the lowest of anywhere in England.

Three of the cases were travel-related, but no further information has been provided on where the 19 cases are.

The number covers all of Newcastle, Northumberland, Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, County Durham, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Cleveland, Stockton, Hartlepool, and Darlington.

Earlier this week, North Tyneside Council confirmed that at least eight Covid cases had been linked to an outbreak among staff at the Allard’s Lounge bar in Tynemouth.

Newcastle City Council also confirmed the strain had been detected in the city, but declined to say when or where it had been found.

Image source, Getty Images

Public Health England said there was “currently no evidence that this variant causes more severe illness, increased risk of mortality or makes the current vaccines any less effective”.

Prof Peter Kelly, regional director of Public Health England North East, said: “We are not seeing many cases of the Indian variant of concern in the North East compared to other parts of the country; however, we must not be complacent with this or any other variant."

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