Croydon is one of England’s hotspots for the coronavirus variant first identified in India with 12 cases discovered, new figures show.

An analysis of confirmed coronavirus cases for variants allows an insight into the spread of the B.1.617.2 / Indian variant.

In Croydon, the variant accounted for 12 individual cases of just 14 analysed however the borough currently has over 100 confirmed Covid-19 cases. 

Over a seven-day period ending on the May 20, the rate of cases per 100,000 in Croydon was 37.2 compared to the average UK rate of 23.7.

The borough however was not included in a list of eight areas in England under new guidance and travel limitations published on Friday May 21.

Less than two weeks ago Croydon saw 98 coronavirus cases but that number has increased to 148 as of May 21.

In particular, Park Hill and Lloyd Park in Croydon saw an increase of cases by 150% over seven days to May 20.

However, in Hackney and City of London, the infection rate is 13.4 which is on the rise after the area previously saw a decrease week on week.

In Lewisham the rate stands at 12.8 and is on a decreasing trend.

Comparatively, Tower Hamlets has the lowest rate of cases across the EastLondonLines boroughs at 11.7.

However, take-up of the vaccine here has been particularly low. It is ranked the 4th worst area in England for the proportion of eligible adults (50+) who have received their first dose at 78.9%. 

Hackney has the 6th lowest vaccine uptake with 80% of residents receiving at least one dose.