HEALTH bosses at Shropshire Council say they are monitoring the Indian variant, though insist there are no direct cases reported in the county as of yet.

Rachel Robinson, director of public health for Shropshire Council, confirmed that two cases had been reported in the area that were linked to a wider 'cluster' of positive tests elsewhere in the Midlands.

She urged people to continue testing and get their vaccination when called upon to continue fighting any potential spread of the variant and Covid-19.

“A new variant of Covid-19, first identified in India, is being closely monitored in the UK,” she said.

"The variant has been identified as more transmissible, with cases rising across the country.

"Hotspots have been identified predominantly in the North West, but there has also been a small cluster of cases sprinkled across the West Midlands.

“We have had two confirmed cases in the Shropshire Council area linked to clusters of cases out of the county – elsewhere in the Midlands.

"The individuals and their contacts have followed guidelines and isolated. No further cases have been reported at this stage.

“With restrictions easing, this is a reminder that the virus is still with us and we need to proceed with caution.

"We are continuing to encourage everyone to test twice-a-week and get vaccinated when you are called.”