The current estimate of the ‘R’ value is 0.5 – 1.0.
HOWEVER It should be noted, however, that as the number of new cases is low and in the presence of a robust testing programme and test/trace/protect strategy R is no longer regarded as the most important indicator for the purposes of policy decisions.
The number of positive tests per day is likely to be a more important parameter in the context of planning.
At present R will show a high degree of volatility and may be heavily influenced by small changes in numbers, and therefore may give a misleading impression of the state of the epidemic.
