NEW figures suggest three cases of the Indian Covid variant have been found in Basildon. 

The latest weekly data from the Wellcome Sanger Institute, which examines different strands of the virus, shows the positive tests all happened in the week ending May 15. 

It means 23.7 per cent of cases in the region were linked to the variant during that time frame. 

Last week, Essex County Council said there had been a "small number" of cases involving the variant in the Basildon area.

A spokesman said all contacts of those infected had been traced.

Chelmsford remains the worst hit area in Essex, where 66.7 per cent of Covid cases are the Indian variant. 

But only one new cases of the variant was identified in the city and surrounding area in the week ending May 15 - down from 11 the week before. 

The figures released by the Wellcome Sanger Institute say there were no other cases of the Indian variant found in any other parts of Essex in the week ending May 15. 

However, Southend Council did confirm on Friday (May 21) that a case of the variant had been found in the borough, while three other suspected cases were being investigated. 

Krishna Ramkhelawon, director for public health, told the Echo there was "no cause for concern."

It comes as the Government has been accused of “incompetence” after advising against all but essential travel in eight areas of England where the Covid variant first identified in India is spreading fastest.

Officials said areas including Bolton, Leicester, Kirklees and the London borough of Hounslow were hardest hit and people there should not meet indoors.

People should avoid travelling into and out of the eight areas, with Bedford, Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley and North Tyneside also on the list.

People in the eight areas should also be tested twice a week, according to the Government advice.

The change to the guidance – which is not law – appears to have been made on Friday without an official announcement, prompting criticism from MPs.