Current R Number estimate - 20 August

The Department of Health continues to publish the Covid-19 reproduction number on a weekly basis.

The current estimate of R is 1.0 – 1.6

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 7 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.

Notes to editors: 

1. For media enquiries please contact DoH Press Office by email: pressoffice@health-ni.gov.uk. 
2. Follow us on twitter @healthdpt
3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

Share this page