R Number and growth rate may put Step 4 date back

The latest R Number and growth rate figures as the Late Spring Bank Holiday approached were, respectively, 1.0 to 1.1 and 0% to +3%. This is the first time since 15 January that the R Number has been greater than 1 and that the Growth Rate has been positive since that date.

If this continues over the forthcoming weeks, it is reported that this will increase pressure on Government to either delay Step 4 or to retain certain restrictions such as social distancing and group size while moving to Step 4.

Read the Government’s policy on these factors here.