No cases of the Indian variant of Covid-19 have been recorded in Cumbria, according to the county’s top health boss.

Cumbria County Council’s director of public health Colin Cox, confirmed that the strain – which is causing concern – has been recorded in other parts of the North West, however.

He said: “The national concern is about the Indian variant and that is a cause for concern – but there have been no recorded cases in Cumbria.

“There have been a few in Bolton and Lancashire and other parts of the North West. So, it’s close, but there still haven’t been any in Cumbria.

“We’re not yet completely clear whether it could create a third wave. I think our understanding is that it’s not resistant to the vaccines.”

Dr Cox also provided an update on the current Covid-19 rates in Cumbria.

He added: “Things are pretty calm. The case rates are still low, about five new cases per 100,000 a week. They’ve been like that for a little while so it’s still looking good.

“Next week is the biggest relaxation of rules yet. I would urge people to follow the new rules and not to completely relax.”