England’s R number rises slightly to between 0.8 and 1

N H

4 years ago

England’s R number has risen slightly to between 0.8 and 1, suggesting the pandemic is still continuing to shrink but at a slower rate, latest figures have shown.

Last week, the figure was estimated to be between 0.7 and 1 by the government’s Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE).

The daily growth rate of COVID-19 infections is also estimated at between -5% and -1%, compared to -6% and -1% the previous week.

R represents the average number of people a person with the virus goes on to infect. When the figure is above 1, an outbreak can grow exponentially – but it is shrinking if it is below 1.