Coronavirus R rate could be as high as 1.1 in UK as experts warn of 'growing' epidemic

The coronavirus R value in the UK has risen to between 0.9 to 1.1, new figures show.

The reproduction numbers from the Science and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (Sage) suggest there is a risk that the overall coronavirus epidemic in the UK is growing, Government scientists say.

The latest growth rate for the whole of the UK is between minus 3 per cent to plus 1 per cent, a slight change from between minus 4 per cent to minus 1 per cent last week.

The growth rate of coronavirus transmission reflects how quickly the number of infections is changing day by day.

It comes as new restrictions were introduced in towns in the north of England to help curb the spread of the virus.

People in Oldham, Blackburn and parts of Pendle have been told not to socialise with anyone from outside their household from midnight on Saturday to help curb the spread of coronavirus.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: "The only way we can keep on top of this deadly virus is through decisive action led by the people who know their areas best, wherever possible through consensus with a local area.

"Working with local leaders we agreed further action in Oldham, Pendle and Blackburn.

"Our approach is to make the action we take as targeted as possible, with the maximum possible local consensus."

Elsewhere, the Department of Health said measures will be relaxed in Wigan, Rossendale and Darwen, while Birmingham is added to a watchlist as an "area of enhanced support" and Northampton becomes an "area of intervention".

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