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The coronavirus transmission rate could now be as high as 1.4 in the UK, official figures show.
The R number (reproduction) is between 1.1 and 1.4, according to the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which shows that there is a “widespread growth of the epidemic throughout the country.”
This means the number of new coronavirus infections increase 2% to 7% each day.
Last week’s estimate for the R number was between 1.0 and 1.2 – the first time it rose above 1.0 since the beginning of March.
The R number represents the average number of people for each person with coronavirus. continues to infect.
So a reproduction rate of between 1.1 and 1.4 means that, on average, every 10 people who have the virus will infect between 11 and 14 more.
Scientists advising the government say the R number must stay below 1.0 to keep the pandemic under control.
Cases across the UK have skyrocketed in recent weeks. Yesterday there were 3,395 confirmed and 3,991 the day before.
Ministers are considering another national blockade, with COVID-19 hospital admissions “double every seven or eight days.”
The government is concerned that the fact that more young people contract the virus will lead to an increase in infection among the elderly and vulnerable.
This would put pressure on the NHS during the winter months, its busiest time of year.
