The coronavirus infection rate – or R number – may have risen above one in parts of England, the Government has admitted.
The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) published regional reproduction (R) figures in England for the first time on Friday, with the South West having the highest range at 0.8-1.1.
The figures were announced as London emerged as the hardest-hit area in the UK for coronavirus, according to new Office for National Statistics analysis. The capital is home to nine of the 10 boroughs with the highest Covid-19 death rates, largely owing to the city's high levels of deprivation.
Meanwhile, the UK's official virus death toll hit 41,481, after the Department of Health confirmed a further 202 fatalities overnight. And Grant Shapps told Friday's Downing Street press briefing that remembering face coverings when travelling on public transport should become as routine as "picking up your phone or your wallet".
It comes as England prepares for the introduction of "support bubbles" on Saturday, which will permit adults living alone or single parents to mix with one other household.
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