A "very small number" of cases of the so-called Indian variant of coronavirus have been found in Sunderland.

Health bosses are not confirming how many have been detected at this stage, but have urged people to test themselves twice a week.

Sunderland's director of public health, Gerry Taylor, said: "We all need to remain very cautious at the moment and continue to follow all of the guidance in terms of hands, face and space and fresh air."

Image source, Getty Images

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People are also asked not to go into or out of places hardest hit by the so-called Indian variant.

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North Tyneside Council said it was not made aware of government advice urging people not to travel into and out of the borough unless necessary after it was hit by the Indian coronavirus variant.

The area is one of several affected across the country and the guidance was published online without an announcement on Friday.

In a statement released this morning, Wendy Burke, director of public health for North Tyneside, said: “Last Wednesday it was announced in Parliament that North Tyneside, along with five other areas in England, would be subject to enhanced testing and vaccinations.

“When the announcement was made there was no indication it would come with any additional restrictions for North Tyneside or the other areas.

“We understand that, later, government guidance around travel in and out of North Tyneside was posted on the government website. This has not been accompanied by any communication to the local authority, local residents or businesses.

“We have already queried this with the Department of Health and Social Care to seek clarification. We will continue to work with government on our enhanced testing and vaccination plan which is now in place.”

It comes after more than 600 people were tested on the first day of new coronavirus surge-testing centres opening on North Tyneside at the weekend.

Image source, North Tyneside Council

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