BRITAIN’S R rate has gone up, officials say, as more data shows the southern parts of the country are seeing an uptick in cases.
The current R value – the number of people an infected person will pass Covid on to – is now estimated to be between 0.9 and 1.
The R rate had dropped for four weeks in a row prior to today’s estimate, which comes after a move from the lockdown into the tiered system.
Last week, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) estimated the R to be between a range 0.8 to 1.
The R rate must be kept below 1 to cause the outbreak to shrink. Above 1, and cases will continue to rise.
The coronaviruses’ natural R rate is around 3. But it can be squashed by cutting back on social contact.
London is now among three areas, all in Tier 2, where the R rate has slightly tipped over 1.
It comes amid increasing concern over the capitals infection rate – higher than any other region of England.
The capital, along with the South East and East of England, have a value 0.9 to 1.1, meaning it is probably just at 1.
Following them are the South West and Midlands, with 0.8 to 1 R rate.
The North West and North East and Yorkshire – where swathes of people are living under the tough Tier 3 restrictions – had the next lowest range at 0.7 and 0.9.
It suggests the bans on seeing friends and family, along with the closure of hospitality, is working to push the R rate down.
