Government officials have addressed concerns about the 'R' infection rate creeping back up to almost 1. The Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said the UK reproduction number for the coronavirus is now estimated between 0.7 and 1 across the UK.
If the rate goes above 1 it means the virus is growing rather than receding. The rate stood at between 0.5 and 0.9 last week, before lockdown measures were eased.
Deputy chief medical officer Dr Jenny Harries said the Covid-19 reproduction rate - the R value - will be lower in the community than in places such as care homes and hospitals.
Dr Harries explained the reason for a range in the 'R' number during the Government’s daily briefing. "There's quite a range there - 0.7 to one - in