R rate for Dorset and South West changes as Covid-19 cases fall

The fresh data, which has been released by the Government Office for Science and the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) on Friday, December 11, rates the ability to spread Covid-19 and the number of people that one infected person will pass the virus on to, on average.

The updated 'R rate' for the South West is now between 0.8 - 1.0, which is slightly lower than the latest R number range for the UK of 0.9 - 1.0.

The current growth rate in South West, including Dorset, is set at -4 to 0. The size of the growth rate indicates the speed of change. A growth rate of 0 per cent indicates the epidemic is not spreading in the area.

Likewise, a growth rate of -4 per cent indicates the epidemic is shrinking faster than a growth rate of -3 per cent.

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Last week, the South West had an R rate of 0.7 - 1.0, with a growth rate between -4 per cent to 0 per cent.

The R rate for the South West is now among the lowest across England. London and South East both have the highest R rates at 0.9 - 1.1. 

These are the latest R estimates by NHS England region: 

Region - R Growth rate - per day

England: 0.8-1.0, -2 to 0

East of England: 0.9-1.1, -1 to +2

London: 0.9-1.1, -1 to +1

Midlands: 0.8-1.0, -3 to -1

North East and Yorkshire: 0.7-0.9, -4 to -2

North West: 0.7-0.9, -4 to -2

South East: 0.9-1.1, -1 to +1

South West: 0.8-1.0, -4 to 0

The news comes as Public Health Dorset warned people that “Covid-19 will not be taking a break over Christmas”.

Residents have been advised to start to reduce any “unnecessary social contact” with others now to minimise the risk of transmission of the virus.

Despite a continuing decline in the number of cases, Public Health Dorset is urging people to “consider the risks” ahead of the festivities.

Public Health Dorset said: “As we approach the festive period, some people will be looking forward to forming a Christmas bubble. It is important to remember that COVID-19 will not be taking a break over Christmas.

“You don't have to form a Christmas bubble, but if you are planning to do so you should consider the risks to everyone involved carefully. You should also start to reduce any unnecessary social contact with others now to minimise the risk of transmission.”