The 'R' rate is now above 1 in the south west, according to the latest data published by the government today (Friday, June 12).
The figures show the south west has the highest 'R' rate in England, currently being estimated between 0.8 and 1.1.
The reproduction number (R) is the average number of secondary infections produced by one infected person.
Across the UK, the 'R' rate is currently between 0.7 and 0.9.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock gave an update about the South West 'R' rate earlier this week and played down concerns about the area's 'R' rate, insisting it was below 1.
This was despite a study released last week which warned more people would die after finding that the coronavirus R rate in the South West was at or above 1 - the joint highest of all regions in England, alongside the North West.
The experts crunching the number of cases and the infection rates said the South West had the greatest level of uncertainty over the figures, and the R infection rate in the south west region could be as high as 1.29. You can see the full statistical report here.
However, a University of Bristol professor warned on Friday of a “public health catastrophe” if the Government keeps its policy on the coronavirus R rate.
Prof Philip Thomas says the implications are “horrendous” if the Government ensures R remains below one.
If R is above one, an outbreak can grow exponentially – but the risk management lecturer says keeping it below one will cause a GDP collapse and a plummet in life expectancy.
As the country prepares for the biggest easing of measures on Monday (June 15) since the lockdown began, latest figures published by the government on Thursday show the number of new confirmed coronavirus cases across our area seems to be stabilising.
In our area, Southmead Hospital has not recorded any coronavirus deaths for more than a week.
Meanwhile, Weston General Hospital is beginning to slowly accept new patients - although the A&E department is still closed to new admissions.
