The reproduction number, or R rate, of coronavirus transmission across the UK has risen to between 0.9 and 1, according to the latest government figures.

It represents an increase from last week’s estimate of between 0.8 and 1.0.

R measures the number of people, on average, that each sick person will infect.

If R is greater than 1, the epidemic is generally seen to be growing; if R is less than 1 the epidemic is shrinking.

The estimate represents the situation over the past few weeks rather than a snapshot of the situation on Friday, due to the time delay between initial infection, symptoms appearing, and the need for hospital care. 

The Government Science Office has also published regional R rates across England as supplied by NHS England. A similar regional breakdown for other UK nations is not revealed. 

Regional R numbers across England

England: 0.8 – 1.0

East of England: 0.9 -1.1

London: 0.9 -1.1

Midlands: 0.8 – 1.0

North East and Yorkshire: 0.7- 0.9

North West: 0.7- 0.9

South East: 0.9 -1.1

South West: 0.8 -1.0

In Scotland the R number is estimated to be between 0.8 and 1. In Wales it is estimated to be between 0.8 and 1.1. And in Northern Ireland

The weekly survey by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) also reported on Friday that infection rates across England “continued to decrease”.

But it warned the percentage of people testing positive in London has increased and there are early signs of increase in the East of England.

It comes after MPs in the capital expect London to be placed into tier 3, up from tier 2, when the regional restrictions are reviewed next week.