THE number of confirmed cases of the Indian variant of coronavirus on the Isle of Wight has been revealed.

The Covid-19 mutation that originated in India – now known as the Delta variant – is now believed to be dominant in the UK, with evidence suggesting it may be more dangerous than the Kent variation.

Figures published by Public Health England show between one and four cases of the Delta variant were recorded on the Isle of Wight by June 2 – though they could not give an exact figure.

They are among at least 744 cases of the VOC-21APR-02 mutation in the South East – the fifth-worst affected of England's nine regions.

The North West – where variant hotspots Bolton and Blackburn are located – continues to have the highest numbers identified.

Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency, said: “With this variant now dominant across the UK, it remains vital that we all continue to exercise as much caution as possible.

“The way to tackle variants is to tackle the transmission of Covid-19 as a whole.

"Work from home where you can, and practice ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.

“If you are eligible and have not already done so, please come forward to be vaccinated and make sure you get your second jab. It will save lives.”

PHE figures show that more than half of people found with the Indian strain were unvaccinated.

From February 1 to May 31, there were 9,427 cases of the Delta variant recorded in England, of which 5,172 were in unvaccinated people.

The Isle of Wight has recorded 6,868 Covid cases in total since the start of the pandemic last year.

The Island's rolling average of cases per 100,000 people over the past seven days to May 24, has risen from 11.30 and is currently 16.20. This remains below the UK rate.