The UK Health Security Agency, a public health protection body, said AY.4.2, which was last week seen in six percent of cases, had been "designated as a variant under investigation" but not yet a "variant of concern".

United Kingdom: Health experts probe Delta subvariant after rise in Covid cases

As the Boris Johnson government prepares to remove all COVID-19 restrictions this month, Britain's Office for National Statistics(ONS) reported the number of COVID-19 infections in the UK had risen over 50 per cent till July 3.

As UK aims to lift curbs, data reveals 50% rise in COVID-19 cases

Britain's new health minister Sajid Javid said he has been studying data as the government prepares to reopen on July 19. "July 19th remains our target date. The prime minister has called it our terminus date.

'July 19 remains our target date': Britain eyes lifting COVID-19 curbs

As Israel deals with a surge in cases caused by the Delta variant, health officials have suggested that up to half of new cases could be among the vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people who come into contact with the Delta variant will be quarantined, according to Chezy Levy, the director-general of Israel's health ministry.

COVID-19: Delta variant is infecting vaccinated people, says Israel

Amid reopening among several countries in Europe, Chancellor Angela Merkel told Parliament that EU states should quarantine UK arrivals as it is being done in Germany.

Europe health agency warns Delta variant rise; Portugal fears fourth wave

US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has said highly contagious Delta variant of the coronavirus is the "greatest threat" to eradicate the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fauci calls Delta variant 'greatest threat' to eradicating COVID-19 pandemic

A top British virologist has warned that the aim to vaccinate all adults over the age of 18 in the UK could lead to an increase in COVID-19 cases among schoolchildren.

Covid in UK: Expert warns unvaccinated minors could be Delta variant carriers

According to British health officials, the Delta coronavirus variant also known as B.1.617.2 has risen exponentially with over 33,000 cases reported cases last week.

Coronavirus cases surge in UK as Delta variant worries officials