REDCAR has been named the highest area in England for Covid infection rates.

Redcar & Cleveland, which has now seen the highest rate of infection per 100,000 people in England, has seen its highest infection rate since records began.

This is then closely followed by Teesside areas Middlesbrough and Hartlepool, and then Sunderland, which have all recorded case numbers higher than at any point previously.

READ MORE: Redcar among North East areas with HIGHEST Covid rates in England

Those figures are from the seven days to July 14.

Redcar Town & Coatham

Rate of infection: 1,260.3 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 87 new cases (up 49)

Redcar Lakes North

Rate of infection: 1674.4 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 98 new cases  (up 42)

Dormanstown

Rate of infection: 1553.1 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 83 new cases (up 48)

Redcar East

Rate of infection: 1116.5 cases up per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 121 new cases (up 46)

Redcar Lakes South

Rate of infection: 1328 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 99 new cases (up 37)

Marske

Rate of infection: 1212.7 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 157 new cases (up 99)

Saltburn

Rate of infection: 1096.2 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 67 new cases (up 41)

Grangetown

Rate of infection: 1615.6 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 107 new cases (up 74)

Brotton

Rate of infection: 1271.3 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 70 new cases (up 53)

Eston

Rate of infection: 1132.5 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 93 new cases (up 33)

Skelton

Rate of infection: 1292.8 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 100 new cases (up 77)

Loftus & Skinningrove

Rate of infection: 787.7 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 40 new cases (up 26)

Bankfields

Rate of infection: 1139.6 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 67 new cases (up 22)

Boosbeck, Lingdale & Easington

Rate of infection: 884.4 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 56 new cases (up 45)

Guisborough North

Rate of infection: 1442.5 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 96 new cases (up 56)

Guisborough West

Rate of infection: 1234.2 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 77 new cases (up 27)

Guisborough Outer & Upleatham

Rate of infection: 966.1 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 55 new cases (up 33)

Ormesby

Rate of infection: 1430.8 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 108 new cases (up 51)

South Bank & Teesville

Rate of infection: 1539.2 cases per 100,000 people

Number of cases: 157 new cases (up 38)

What leaders in the area have said

Leader of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council, Mary Lanigan, urged people to remain cautious, as most restrictions were eased yesterday.

She said: “We understand people will wish to take advantage of the easing of restrictions after such a difficult period but these infection figures in our area are clearly too high.

“That’s why we’re asking everyone to once again exercise caution and continue working together to continue to take some basic measures to reduce the spread of infection in our area.

“In addition to being cautious and considering others, getting vaccinated remains our route out of this pandemic.”

Commenting yesterday on 'Freedom Day', Jacob Young, Conservative MP for Redcar, said: "As of today, restrictions are lifted on most other activities as part of the gradual easing of lockdown measures that began in March.

"This means for the first time since the pandemic began, weddings and funerals can go ahead as normal, venues can operate at full capacity, and businesses like nightclubs can reopen.

"That is going to bring joy to many businesses and couples waiting to get married but while people have referred to this as 'Freedom Day' - I don’t see it like that.

"Yes we are able to do all these things again - but it’s still important to take sensible precautions to limit the spread.

"For some people, they’ll be fearful to leave the house or get on a bus, and we should all respect that, being mindful of others and taking steps to help them - like keeping our distance and wearing a mask when in crowded spaces.

"Keeping a physical distance and being outdoors remains the best way to prevent transmission.

"So as we reopen, I ask that we all consider others, and stay safe."

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