By Yorkshire and Humber only region to not see rising R rate
The latest report by REACT-1, one of the largest studies into coronavirus, have today published findings which show a rise in the reproduction rate (R rate) in every region except the Yorkshire and Humber.
The study tested over 67,000 volunteers in England between 19 and 29 October, with just over 1,000 positives being recorded.
With 1,021 positive cases from 67,208 swabs, the prevalence is 1.72 per cent, a significant rise from the September report of 0.83 per cent.
The report is estimating the current R rate at 1.12.
Health and Social Care Secretary, Sajid Javid said:
“Today’s report sends an important message that we need to stay vigilant as we head into the winter months.
“Vaccines continue to be our first line of defence against this disease and it is crucial we all get jabbed to keep the virus at bay.”
The R number was over 1 in all regions nationwide, apart from the Yorkshire and Humber which was 1.03, seeing a range from 0.98 to 1.08 – the lowest in the country.
However, the national figure was found to be rising and the region may experience a delayed reaction to this increase.
The highest prevalence nationally, was found in schoolchildren aged 5-12, with their rate standing at 5.85 per cent.
Professor Paul Elliott, director of the REACT programme from Imperial’s School of Public Health, said:
“These very recent data show that infections are still very high, especially in school-aged children.
“We continue to find that households with children have higher prevalence of infection, indicating that children could be driving up infection rates by spreading the virus to others in their homes.”
The next highest rate was found in the subsequent age group of 13-17 years, with 5.75 per cent.
This report has coincided with half-term in schools and it is expected that the rates may rise by the next report, once children have returned to school.
Dr Jenny Harries, Chief Executive of UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), said:
“Although the number of hospitalisations and deaths remain lower than in previous peaks, these findings are a powerful reminder that the pandemic is far from over and remains a serious threat to health and wellbeing.
“I strongly encourage everyone who is eligible for a third dose or a booster shot to come forward without delay.”
