367 new cases of the Delta variant of Covid-19 have been confirmed in Northumberland in figures released up to June 30.

Statistics revealed by Public Health England show the county has now seen 1,153 cases of the Delta variant – with the figure having increased by 367 compared to the 786 recorded in the week previously.

In total, 10,354 cases of the variant – which was first identified in India – have been recorded in the North East, with the area being the sixth worse of the nine regions across the country.

Across the UK, a total of 50,824 delta cases were confirmed within the last week, which shows a 46% increase in cases compared to the previous week, with 42 of these newly confirmed cases being identified as the more dangerous Delta plus variant.

The plus variant is believed to spread more easily as well as also being more prone to attaching to lung cells according to India’s health department, with it also potentially being resistant to a number of different drug therapies that are being to help fight the virus.

Although the figures of people getting the virus are on the up, the number of people needing to be hospitalised is not increasing at the same rate.

"The data suggest this is testament to the success of the vaccination programme so far and clearly demonstrates the importance of getting both doses of the vaccine,” said Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency.

"Come forward as soon as you are eligible. It will help us to break the chain of transmission, and it will save lives."

"Practice ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times."

More than 20,000 people have tested positive for Covid-19 in Northumberland since the pandemic began last March.