READERS have voiced their opinions after cases of the Indian variant of Covid were confirmed in the county.

Cumbria’s director of public health has said that there were a small number of cases of the variant in the region, according to data revealed this week.

This came on the day that further lockdown restriction easings came into place.

The cases were located in South Lakeland but no further information has yet become available.

Colin Cox, director of public health for Cumbria, said on Monday: “As of today we have had cases of the Indian variant in Cumbria.

“At this stage we have only just received the results this morning.”

He went on to highlight that only a small number of cases had been confirmed.

According to some scientists, this variant could spread 50 per cent faster than the current dominant strain, the Kent variant.

However, health secretary Matt Hancock has said there was ‘increasing confidence’ that the vaccine was effective against this new strain.

Heidi Hilland said: “What a surprise, not, every time restrictions are lifted.

“Up pops another variant say the experts.”

Nadine Jesko Borradaile said: “A lot of people admitted to hospital lately are those who should have had the jab but refused it putting everyone in the NHS at risk and the rest of the country.

“Over 20,000 people came back from India in three days when it was decided to not allow travel, to India, so how many of those were bringing the virus back into UK?”

Alan Cummings said: “I’m still going out for few pints tonight.”

Another reader said: “Difficult to shut the entire country down when we’re a small island that relies on other countries for almost everything. Don’t forget – the UK variant has done a lot of damage.”