Fears are growing that that the Indian Covid strain could will hinder the end of the proposed lockdown next month.

It has been reported that more than half all areas in England have seen an increase in coronavorus infection rates as worry about the variant builds.

Experts have said that the vaccine programme roll-out has saved 12,000 lives but there are fears that the Indian variant could be 50 per cent more infectious than the Kent strain, reports the MirrorOnline.

Tomorrow (May 17) will see the easing of lockdown measures, allowing pubs, clubs and restaurants to open indoors as well as venues such as cinemas welcoming back customers.

Nightclubs and large events could return by summer but this could be scuppered if infections continue to rise.

On Friday Boris Johnson said he was "anxious" about the B1.617.2 strain, which almost doubled in a week.

But there is good news and bad news - and it's important to be aware of the facts.

1. Why are we concerned about the Indian variant?

Cases of the B.1.617.2 variant have more than doubled in the UK - from 520 to 1,313 - in a week as lockdowns are eased.

2. How has this happened?

The original India variant - officially known as B.1.617 - was first detected in October and cases have been imported from abroad.

India is currently in the grips of a coronavirus crisis, which is crippling its healthcare system.

The country was added to Britain's travel 'red list' two weeks ago but the variant is now known to be spreading in clusters in some communities in the UK.

3. Is there more than one Indian variant?

Three types of the B.1.617 variant, first detected in India, are circulating within the UK, and it is B.1.617.2 that is spreading fast and causing concern.

The B.1.617.2 variant now makes up the majority of our cases and appears to be growing faster than others.

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4. Will the variant result in more deaths?

Experts say if the variant is proven to be 50% more infectious it could lead to 1,000 deaths a day and 10,000 daily hospitalisations by the summer.

Chief Medical Officer Chris Whitty said that it is 'highly likely' that the strain is more transmissible.

He warned if it is proven the UK could see 'a really significant surge' in Covid-19 cases.

Public Health England says so far four people have died after contracting the Indian variant.

5. What areas in the UK have been affected the most?

London and the North West have reported the highest number of cases of that strain, which the World Health Organisation has classified as a "variant of global concern".

The capital had 400 cases as of Wednesday, accounting for almost a third of total Covid cases in the capital.

The North West was not far behind, with its total of 319 infections making up a quarter of all confirmed and probable cases of coronavirus in the region, which includes Greater Manchester.

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6. Why does it spread easier than previous variants?

The Indian variant contains two key mutations to the outer “spike” protein of the virus that attaches to human cells.

Some experts believe it may be overpowering prior immunity from natural infections in some people who had caught earlier variants

7. Is the Indian variant immune to vaccines?

There is no indication yet that it evades the protection offered by current vaccines.

This means even if it becomes more prevalent across the UK it should not make most people seriously ill.

Widespread vaccinations and natural immunity mean it should not trigger death spikes seen during earlier waves and put hospitals under pressure again.

The Government is looking at ways to “flex” the rollout of vaccines in the worst hit areas such as the North West, including 8accinating everyone in multi-generational households from 18-year-olds to grandparents.

7. Why does it put the June 21 reopening at risk?

Increasing Covid-19 rates with any variant would still kill some unvaccinated people - take-up is lower in ethnic minority communities - or those for whom immune protection has waned.

Higher viral prevalence also increases the chances that the virus will mutate again to stop vaccines working as well.

The public must help suppress the Covid-19 infection rate in the face of the Indian variant if the planned lifting of restrictions in June is to stay on track, the vaccines minister has said.

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Nadhim Zahawi urged people in the 15 areas of England with spread of the Indian variant of concern to follow local health advice, get tested and isolate if they test positive.

9. What can the UK do about it?

Make use of our world leading genetic sequencing to detect clusters and deploy surge testing.

Surge testing has been launched in 15 areas, including Bolton, Formby and parts of London, while increased genomic sequencing and enhanced contact tracing are among other measures being used to prevent the spread of the variant, the Government said.

The Government is also considering bringing forward the date for a second dose of vaccine for eligible groups to increase protection.

The fact that we are hearing about this increase actually shows the system at work.

India is now on the travel Red List and restrictions must continue with countries where the variant is prevalent.

We are now reliant on our contact tracing systems to stamp out outbreaks.

Test and trace has under performed in Britain but is improving as more work is done by trusted local council teams.

Ministers and experts have insisted there is no evidence the vaccines are less effective against the Indian strain, or other mutant variants.