England’s coronavirus R number has increased slightly from 0.9-1.1 to 1.0-1.1, latest government figures show.

The nationwide COVID-19 growth rate is estimated to be between 0% and +3% – up on last week’s -2% to +1%.

The coronavirus R (reproduction) number represents the extent to which the pandemic is growing or shrinking.

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Today’s numbers represent the situation two to three weeks ago, due to the delay in people becoming infected, getting symptoms, and needing treatment.

It comes as England’s vaccination rollout was extended to anyone aged 30 and over this week amid the fast spread of the Indian variant.

Cases of the highly-transmissible strain have doubled in the space of a week in England, prompting fears that the final step of the prime minister’s lockdown roadmap will be delayed.

Speaking to Sky News on Friday, Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said a final decision on easing measures will not be made until 14 June, despite frustration among hospitality firms still not sure if they will be able to reopen.

Mr Kwarteng said that although the uncertainty was “frustrating”, it is “impossible for anyone to know what the situation will be like in a week or two weeks’ time”.

He also did not rule out keeping businesses closed in the areas that are worst impacted by the variant.

On Thursday, Imperial College London’s Professor Neil Ferguson warned the full reopening of society on 21 June “hangs in the balance” – adding that the data collected in the next two to three weeks will be “critical”.

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