UK’s R number falls to below one for the first time since July

The UK’s coronavirus R number – or reproduction number – has fallen below one for the first time since July.

The figure is now between 0.7 and 0.9, according to the latest estimate and the government says it is ‘confident the epidemic is shrinking’ across all regions.

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R number and growth rates per day in the UK and England for week ending 12 February 2021. Coronavirus (Covid-19) reproduction number (R) and growth rate in the UK. R Number and Growth Rate show UK reductions under present restrictions. Vaccinations should soon increase decline. pic.twitter.com/CtG80BpyUL

— Bill (@PriorConstruct) February 12, 2021

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The reproduction number, or R value, of coronavirus in the UK has fallen below one for the first time since July 2020

It is now estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9

The government says it is 'confident the epidemic is shrinking' across all regions

— Andrew Gregory (@andrewgregory) February 12, 2021

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NEW: R number is thought to be 0.7-0.9 in England, and even lower in London and the South East. Given some scientists think the new UK variant increases R by up to .5, quite amazing.

— Ben Kentish (@BenKentish) February 12, 2021

An R number between 0.7 and 0.9 means that, on average, every 10 people infected will infect between seven and nine other people.

Last week’s R number was between 0.7 and 1.0, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) said.

It also said the estimates of the R value are below 1 in all NHS regions of England but warned: “Prevalence of the virus remains high, so it remains important that everyone continues to stay at home in order to keep the R value down, protect the NHS and help save lives.”

This is a breaking news story. More to follow.