Study finds coronavirus rates of infection highest across Yorkshire and the Humber

A report from the country’s largest study on Coronavirus rates of infection has been published, showing that cases are increasing steadily across the country.

It found prevalence of infection was the highest in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West, followed by the North East.

The study has tested more than 150,000 volunteers and examines levels of infection in the general population in England. The latest findings for the period 22 August and 7 September indicate cases were doubling every seven to eight days.

It is estimated 13 people per 10,000 were infected in England, compared to four people per 10,000 between 24 July and 11 August 2020, Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI findings show.

In Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West rates of infection were at 0.17%, or 17 people per 10,000, followed by an infection rate or 0.16%, or 16 people per 10,000 in the North East.

The study also found Infections are increasing across all adult age groups below the age of 65 years and across all areas of the country, with higher rates seen in young people aged 18 to 24 years.

The data was published at the same time as the Government's weekly official R number, which in the UK was estimated to be as high as 1.2, which indicates infections are rising.

Professor Paul Elliott, Director of the programme at Imperial from the School of Public Health, said:

He added: "This is a critical time and it’s vital that the public, our health system and policy-makers are aware of the situation as we cannot afford complacency."

The study has been carried out by scientists, clinicians and researchers at Imperial College London, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Ipsos MORI.

Kelly Beaver, Managing Director of Public Affairs at Ipsos MORI said:

More than 300,000 volunteers in total were tested across England between July 24 and September 7 as part of the new report carried out by Imperial College London and Ipsos MORI.