Delta variant first identified in India now comprises 91% of new UK cases

Variant first identified in India now comprises 91% of new cases in the UK, health minister says The B1.617.2 variant — also called the Delta variant, which was first identified in India — now comprises 91% of new coronavirus cases in the UK according to British Health Minister Matt Hancock. By <a href="/profiles/meg-wagner">Meg Wagner</a>, Melissa Macaya, <a href="/profiles/melissa-mahtani">Melissa Mahtani</a> and <a href="/profiles/veronica-rocha">Veronica Rocha</a>, CNN CNN

The B1.617.2 variant — also called the Delta variant, which was first identified in India — now comprises 91% of new coronavirus cases in the UK according to British Health Minister Matt Hancock. 

Speaking before a special parliamentary committee on Thursday, Hancock said that he saw the figure in the latest assessment on Wednesday night. The spread of the Delta variant has prompted concerns about the likelihood of the UK lifting its final stage of restrictions as planned on June 21.

Hancock told the committee that the government is "looking at this data every single day" to establish the impact of the variant on government plans. The government still has "a couple more days data to look at" it but will "make the decision very soon," Hancock added. 

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to address the nation on on Monday about the final stage in the ease of restrictions. Parts of North-East England have observed great surges in cases of the variant prompting the UK government to call in the UK army for assistance. 

Troops will be deployed across Greater Manchester and Lancashire to help with testing, door-to-door community engagement, planning and logistics with decisions made based on local needs, according to the UK Health department.