R rate in England on the rise, ONS data shows

The R number, which represents the rate that coronavirus is spreading, is increasing according to new data.

Official figures show the rate has risen from between 1.1-1.4 to 1.2-1.5. Any figures above one indicate that the epidemic is growing.

According to the Official for National Statistics (ONS), there were 9,600 new cases per day in England, in the week to the 19th of September. This is an increase from 6,000 cases every day, recorded in the week before.

These estimates were calculated by testing on a representative sample of people with or without COVID-19 symptoms.

These figures contrast those published by the Department of Health and Social Care, which shows in the same week noted by the ONS, there were around 3,000 positives cases each day in England.

These were calculated by recording the positive cases in people showing symptoms who requested a test.

The ONS stated that the "clear evidence" showed an increase in those testing positive across all ages, although recent spikes are being noted in the age group of 17-24 year-olds.