Liverpool's public health boss says the India variant of Covid-19 is likely to be driving a rise in cases in the city as he urged everyone to get vaccinated quickly.
Matt Ashton said the proportion of the more transmissible India variant - B.1.617.2 - is increasing in Liverpool and is likely to be behind a recent uptick in the infection rate.
And he also shared some concerning numbers which indicate that some people in the vulnerable age groups in the city have still not come forward for their first jab.
The number of cases of Covid-19 in the city has more than doubled in the past week, with the infection rate growing from around 7.5 cases per 100,000 to 19 cases per 100,000.
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This rise is based on small numbers of infections, but the growth in the number of recorded cases from 37 in the seven days between May 15 and May 22 to 95 in the most recent seven days (May 23 to 29) will be a concern.
Speaking on twitter, Mr Ashton - who said he estimates the infection rate to keep rising - said there is more work to do to ensure all vulnerable people in the city are vaccinated.
Responding to claims that 99% of the vulnerable are now vaccinated, he said this is not the case, adding: "More to do, especially in the 60 to 74 years age groups.
"The impact is more than just deaths, hospitalisations put pressure on other NHS services."
Mr Ashton shared some data, which indicates that only 86.2% of people in Liverpool aged 60-64 have had their first dose of a vaccine, while the numbers for the 65-69 group are only a little higher at 89.4.
He added: "This is single dose, not double, which is required for proper protection."
The Public Health Director urged everyone to come forward for their vaccines, adding: "Vaccination is an essential part of our control measures. Please make sure you get your vaccine as soon as you are eligible, and encourage others to do the same! You need 2 doses to be immunised."
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