The R rate which measures the reproduction of coronavirus has fallen below one, according to the latest government figures.
It is the first time the reproduction number, or R value, has dropped since July 2020.
The rate of coronavirus transmission across the UK is now estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9.
Last week, it was between 0.7 and 1.
R represents the average number of people each Covid-19 positive person goes on to infect.
When the figure is above one, an outbreak can grow exponentially, but when it is below 1 it means the epidemic is shrinking.
Therefore, an R number between 0.7 and 0.9 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between seven and nine other people.
The estimates for R and the growth rate are provided by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage).
Sage said the estimates are based on the latest data, available up to February 8, including hospital admissions and deaths, as well as symptomatic testing and prevalence studies.
It said the estimates of the R value are below one in all NHS regions of England but warned: "However, prevalence of the virus remains high, so it remains important that everyone continues to stay at home in order to keep the R value down, protect the NHS and help save lives."
The latest figures come just over a week before the Prime Minister is due to set out his 'roadmap' out of lockdown in England.
At some point in the week beginning February 22, Boris Johnson will set out the review on the current lockdown measures and detail what is to happen next with schools thought to be the first to reopen in March.
