The UK Covid-19 R-rate has risen slightly to between 1.3 and 1.5, as the government enforces local lockdowns across England. 

Data released on Friday by the Science and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) shows the estimate for reproduction number, or R rate, for coronavirus transmission.

Last week, the value was 1.2 and 1.5, with a growth rate of between +4% and +9%. 

The latest figures show while the R rate has risen to between 1.3 and 1.5, the growth rate has fallen to between +4% and +7%.

An R rate between 1.3 and 1.5 means that on average every 10 people infected will infect between 13 and 15 other people.

A growth rate between +4% and +7% means the number of new infections is growing by 4% to 7% every day.

Any R rate above 1.0 means that the pandemic is growing in the UK and the value has been at that level or above since late August. 

This week, Boris Johnson announced England would be split into “medium”, “high” or “very high” local coronavirus alert areas. 

Liverpool and Lancashire have been among one of the first areas to be put in the highest category, tier three, with pubs and bars shut down.