COVID-19 R number at 1.6 with rolling average now 40 per day.

This means R is likely to be around 1.3 at present.

R represents the number of individuals who, on average, will be infected by a single person with the infection. R does not have a fixed value but varies with time, and is likely to be different every day.

Whenever R is above 1, the epidemic is increasing. The R number should not be viewed in isolation and must be considered alongside other indicators. At this stage the number of positive tests per day is likely to be a more important parameter.

The seven day rolling average for new cases has increased and is now at over 40 per day.

There is also likely to be a more widespread increase in community transmission which is a matter of significant concern.

Hospital admissions are increasing very slowly but are still at a low level. However, they are likely to rise further if cases continue to do so.