YORKSHIRE has the highest coronavirus transmission rate in England, according to new data. 

According to the modelling, carried out by Public Health England (PHE) and the University of Cambridge, both the North East and Yorkshire have a transmission rate of 0.8 - the highest in England. 

It means that for every 10 people who are infected, they are likely to pass it on to eight other people.

Meanwhile, in the South West, the rate is at 0.76, while in the North West it is 0.73. In the South East and East of England, the rate is at 0.71, and in the Midlands, it is 0.68. 

However, yesterday the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage), the scientists advising the Government, released its own figures suggesting that the range for the reproduction rate of coronavirus – the R value – could now be between 0.7 and 1.0 across the UK.

The news comes as people planning a trip to the coast in North Yorkshire this weekend are being warned they could find they can’t wash their hands, stick to social distancing guidance or even park their car.

Fiona Phillips, assistant director of Public Health at City of York Council, said: “The transmission ( R ) value for Yorkshire and the North East region is 0.8 and, while it is below 1, this means that we must keep vigilant. We must continue to take precautions to slow the spread of coronavirus: washing your hands more frequently and for longer, maintaining social distancing, and ensuring you do not gather in groups of more than two, except with members of your household or for other specific exceptions set out in law. Please see more at www.york.gov.uk/coronavirus.”

North Yorkshire County Council says it fears large numbers of people will head to beauty spots and says places like Whitby and Scarborough could see an influx of visitors.

Councillor Don Mackenzie said: “We are asking people to consider that many places offer very limited hand-washing and toilet facilities and, where they are open, there will almost certainly be queues.

“Paths may well be busy, making staying at least 2m apart almost impossible and, on top of that, we’ve taken the decision to temporarily close our large on-street parking facilities in Whitby.”

Richard Flinton, chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council, added: “Why not do the right thing and protect yourself and your family by staying close to home?”

And Dr Lincoln Sargeant, North Yorkshire’s director of public health, said: “Anyone heading to the countryside or coast is advised to think carefully about the risks and to exercise in open spaces away from the most popular places.”

Meanwhile, North Yorkshire Police has asked parents to be aware of what their children are doing when leaving the house.