The UK’s coronavirus R number has fallen to between 0.9 and 1 for the first time in two months, new figures suggest.

The R value reflects the average number of people that a person with coronavirus will go on to infect.

It was between 1.0 and 1.1 last week, suggesting the virus is slowing down after three weeks of a national lockdown.

The new number has been confirmed by the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE), which advises the government on its response to the pandemic.

Getting the R below one is crucial because it suggests the pandemic is shrinking. An R of one means every 10 infected people spread it to at least 10 others.  

The good news comes a week before England returns to the tier system of restrictions.

Lockdown will end on December 2, when regions will then be split into tiers one, two and three.

The Government announced yesterday that 99% of the country will be living under the toughest two tiers from next week, with just three places afforded the freedom of tier one.

More to follow

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