DINING and socialising indoors are finally back and life is slowly returning to normal ­— but there are fears the Indian Covid variant may delay the roadmap out of lockdown.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock told the Commons there were now 2,323 confirmed cases of B1617.2 in the UK – of which 483 were in Bolton and Blackburn with Darwen, where it is now the dominant strain.

The fourth step from 21 June will potentially see all legal limits on social contact removed, with the final closed sectors of the economy reopened - such as nightclubs.

The Lancashire Telegraph asked readers on social media if they are worried about the Indian variant and if they may change behaviour because of it.

Many people said they did not want to do anything different and were not worried.

Sasha Johnson said: “There’s eight people in hospital at Blackburn with Covid. I wish these people a speedy recovery however it won’t change my behaviour or make me worried.”

Andy Watton said: “Apparently more transmissible, but not more dangerous - and the existing vaccines should provide sufficient protection for the most vulnerable.

“We’re not (currently) seeing a rise in hospitalisations or deaths, so that’s the key bit.”

Anne Gardiner said: “No, as not been doing anything untoward - we will probably be in lockdown here in next couple of weeks if more people are admitted to hospital and ICU!”

Since the Indian variant hit Blackburn with Darwen, six new vaccination centres have been opened – four in Blackburn with Darwen, one in Accrington and one in Burnley, in a bid to prevent the further spread that has affected the town.

Briony Derbyshire said: “The UK should shut the borders to people that have travelled from parts of the world where the variant is most prevalent if they have been within the last month. They won't do it though.”

Jodie Dreslin said: “Waste another year of my life? Absolutely not! I’ll stick to the legal guidelines and nothing more.”

Carol Simpson said: “Yes. And no won’t change as I still haven’t been anywhere since March 2020. Looks like this will continue. Not good when you’re on your own.”

Cheryl Novak said: “Not worried and won’t be changing behaviour, life’s been “on pause” for too long and it’s time to get on with living.”

Mr Hancock also raised concerns over the number of people not taking up vaccines in the area.

He said: “It just reinforces the message that people should come forward and get vaccinated because that is the best way to protect everybody.”

Meanwhile, Nancy McCormack-Bowman said: “Not worried but will be pretty hacked off if this variant spreads and we are forced into another lockdown.”