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One in 100 people in the Northwest tested positive for coronavirus in just over two weeks, according to new research.
The UK’s largest coronavirus surveillance study took place over 17 days between September 18 and October 5.
The prevalence of infection was highest in the Northwest, according to the ‘React-1’ study, with one in 100 people testing positive for Covid-19.
Scientists warn that current infection levels in northern England will replicate in the rest of the country in a few weeks.
The virus was doubling every 29 days in England, the report found, with 45,000 new infections every day when the research was carried out.
The prevalence of the virus was higher among Asian and black volunteers, with 0.90% and 0.73% positive tests, compared with 0.45% in white participants.
Infections are increasing in all age groups nationally, with the highest rates seen in young people ages 18-24.
People are urged to follow local restrictions where they apply, the rule of six, get tested for symptoms and wash their hands.
Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT program at Imperial’s School of Public Health, said: “Our strong findings paint a disturbing picture of the growing epidemic in England.
“While certain areas are hit hardest, if they do not decrease, infection trends will continue across the country and could lead to high levels of unnecessary death and illness from the disease.”
(Image: PA)
The highest R rates, showing how many people approximately one infected person is transmitted to, was found in the North West at 1.27, second only to Yorkshire and The Humber at 1.37.
London, on the other hand, has an R-value below 1, suggesting that the outbreak in the capital is winding down.
Scientists say that the R rate across the UK is between 1.2 and 1.5.
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This is slightly down from last week when it was between 1.3 and 1.6.
Coronavirus infection continues to rise across Greater Manchester, with the disease doubling in Trafford in a week.
Earlier this week, Manchester had the highest infection rate in the country after major outbreaks among the city’s student population.
The Real-Time Assessment of Community Transmission (REACT-1) program is the largest and most significant research looking at how the virus is spreading across the country.
The report was commissioned by the Government and produced by Imperial College London, the Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust and Ipsos MORI.
Kelly Beaver, Managing Director of Public Affairs for Ipsos MORI, said: “We have seen a great response in this round with 175,000 people participating in this round, which is greatly appreciated.
“The results of this study are very important during the pandemic, so I would like to thank everyone who has participated and encourage those who receive letters from us for the next round to participate so that we can once again have solid results to help support government decision-making. “
Downing Street said it will “ not hesitate to act ” to address the surge in coronavirus cases amid reports that new restrictions will be imposed next week.
A spokesperson for Number 10 said: “We have been clear that we are seeing an increase in cases throughout the country, especially in the northeast and northwest.
“And because we have been clear throughout the pandemic, we will continue to review all that data and we will not hesitate to act to protect communities and save lives.”
The spokesperson did not confirm when the government would announce a new three-level local lockdown system, which is reportedly set to be outlined on Monday.
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