Latest figures released by Public Health England show 28 cases of the new Indian Covid variant have been discovered in Swindon.

Cases of the variant have more than doubled over the last week in England – rising by 3,535 to 6,959, according to the body.

Evidence shows it is likely to be more transmissible than the current dominant strain.

Swindon Borough Council’s director of public health Steve Maddern said after one case was confirmed at Swindon Academy: “Variants of concern, like the variant first detected in India, have the potential to threaten all the good work we have done locally to reduce our case rates.”

Earlier this week it was revealed a case of the variant had been confirmed at Swindon Academy.

A study ran by PHE showed that two doses of vaccine offer high levels of protection against symptomatic disease. But the Government has been urged to speed up the programme because data has shown a single dose is only 33 per cent effective.

A spokesperson said: “We expect the vaccines to be effective at preventing hospitalisation and death, so it is vital to get both doses to gain maximum protection against all existing and emerging variants.”

PHE experts are monitoring the situation closely to establish how much more transmissible VOC-21APR-02 may be.

Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive, UK Health Security Agency, said: “With cases of the variant first identified in India continuing to rise in some areas, we are urging people to be very cautious and follow the guidance on hygiene, face coverings, social distancing and meeting outdoors.

“We now know that getting both vaccine doses gives a high degree of protection against this variant and we urge everyone to have the vaccine when the NHS invites you.

“Please follow the public health advice and make sure that you remain careful, work from home if you can, meet people outside where possible and remember ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.

“This is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this variant.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said up to three-quarters of new coronavirus cases nationally are the Indian variant, though he stressed the vaccines are helping to keep hospital admissions down. A further mutation detected in Thailand was designated as a variant under investigation on May 24.