Statistics released by Public Health England show over 100 cases of the Delta Variant of coronavirus have been confirmed in the region in recent days.

A total of 142 cases of the Delta variant of the virus have been found within the region in figures leading up to June 9 – up from just nine a week previously.

In total in the North East, 1,254 cases of the VOC-21APR-02 mutation were found when the figures were recorded, with a total of 42,323 cases of the Delta variant having been found across the country.

As well as the number of cases of the new variant rapidly on the rise, a different set of statitcs revealed by Public Health England also show that 42 people have died in England in relation to the new mutation up to the date of June 7.

23 of these deaths were individuals who were unvaccinated, while seven had previously had their first vaccine more than 21 days before their death, while 12 passed away more than two weeks since having their second Covid-19 jab.

 “With numbers of Delta variant cases on the rise across the country, vaccination is our best defence,” said Dr Jenny Harries, chief executive of the UK Health Security Agency.

“If you are eligible, we urge you to come forward and be vaccinated. Remember that two doses provide significantly more protection than a single dose.

“However, while vaccination reduces the risk of severe disease, it does not eliminate it.

“With data showing that Delta is significantly more transmissible than Alpha, it is just as important as ever to follow public health advice, which has not changed.

“Get vaccinated, work from home where you can and remember ‘hands, face, space, fresh air’ at all times.

“These measures work, and they save lives.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock also said that the Delta variant now makes up 91% of the total number of new coronavirus cases in the UK.