The latest R number and growth rate estimates show that the Covid-19 coronavirus was in retreat across England.
The figures, released today by the Department for Health and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), show that infection rates were believed to be falling across the nation.
But the data is at least two weeks old and so it may not reflect changes in the rate of spread since non-essential shops, gyms and pub beer gardens reopened on Monday.
The latest R range for England is 0.7 to 1.0 and the latest growth rate range for England-6% to -1%.
The Government's website says: "An R value between 0.7 and 1.0 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between 7 and 10 other people."
"A growth rate of between -6% and -1% means that the number of new infections is shrinking by between 1% and 6% every day."
This means that the number of infections is continuing to fall, and the pandemic is not spreading exponentially.
However, the Government says: "These estimates represent the transmission of COVID-19 2 to 3 weeks ago, due to the time delay between someone being infected, developing symptoms, and needing healthcare."
The estimates show that the virus may be shrinking quickest in South East, while South West is the region with largest value range, which means this is the area where the picture is least clear.
Latest by NHS England regions
These are the latest R and growth rate estimates by NHS England regions.
| Region | R | Growth rate % per day |
|---|---|---|
| England | 0.7 to 1.0 | -6 to -1 |
| East of England* | 0.7 to 1.0 | -6 to -1 |
| London* | 0.8 to 1.1 | -5 to 0 |
| Midlands* | 0.7 to 1.0 | -7 to -2 |
| North East and Yorkshire | 0.7 to 1.0 | -6 to -1 |
| North West* | 0.6 to 0.9 | -7 to -2 |
| South East* | 0.6 to 0.9 | -8 to -2 |
| South West* | 0.7 to 1.1 | -7 to 0 |
