England’s Covid ‘R’ rate has risen to 1.2 in official figures released today, showing the impact of the Delta variant on infections across the country.
The ‘R’ rate measures the transmission rate of the virus, with any number above 1 suggesting the pandemic is growing.
The current rate sits between 0.9-1.2, a rise from last week’s figure of 0.8-1.
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The current R number means that, on average, every person testing positive for Covid will go on to infect a further 9-12 people.
It also means the rate of infection is growing at a speed of between -1 & 3% a day.
In the North West, the R rate sits between 0.9-1.1.
Despite a rise in cases, statistics show the number of deaths and hospitalisations remain significantly lower than at the peaks of the pandemic.
However, the speed at which the Delta variant is beginning to spread is cause for concern for the NHS, leading the service to brace for potential winter pressure in coming months.
It also remains to be seen what impact the reopening of schools and universities in September will have on the rate of infections, with all young people being urged to receive both their vaccines before moving away for the autumn term.
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The vaccine rollout in the UK has been hailed as one of the reasons for the lower rate of deaths while the R rate remains high.
It is now believed 95% of adults in England have antibodies against Coronavirus, according to a study earlier this week.
Changes to self-isolation laws also came in this week, meaning double-jabbed people no longer need to shield if they come into contact with someone testing positive for Covid.
However, double vaccinated people are still able to contract and spread the virus. But they are incredibly likely to only suffer mild symptoms should they test positive.
