Torbay could be one of the country's worst affected areas by the coronavirus crisis report reveals

The area also relies heavily on tourism, which continues to be affected by the pandemic. Credit: ITV West Country

Torbay is likely to be one of the worst affected places by coronavirus in the country, according to a new report.

The research from the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) found the area "particularly vulnerable" to the impacts of the pandemic because of its large elderly population and reliance on tourism.

It said the government "needs to understand" these regional differences and make sure local areas get the right support at the right time in order to overcome the crisis.

IFS research economist Alex Davenport, author of the report, said Torbay is one of two areas that "stand out as the most highly vulnerable" to the impacts of Covid-19.

Research director Imran Rasul added these geographical differences will require "policymakers at different levels to co-ordinate their response, since the geography of vulnerabilities has shifted away from the traditional North-South or urban-rural divides."

  • The research by the IFS was funded by the Nuffield Foundation as part of the IFS Deaton Review of Inequalities

Paignton Zoo will not reopen until it can afford to allow more members of staff to return. Credit: ITV West Country

Torbay also relies heavily on tourism, which continues to be badly affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts in Torquay released a joint statement with Newquay Zoo on Wednesday 10 June saying they are "already £3 million down" on their expected financial position at this time of year.

Despite the government announcing zoos and other public spaces can re-open from Monday 15 June, the two animal attractions confirmed they will not be re-opening their doors because of low staff numbers.

In order to save money, they had to furlough a lot of their workforce at the start of the pandemic.

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