Coronavirus R number falls below one in UK for first time since July

Reproduction number estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9, suggesting epidemic is shrinking

The reproduction number, or R value, of coronavirus has fallen below one for the first time since July and is estimated to be between 0.7 and 0.9 across the UK.

In a sign that lockdown restrictions may be having an impact and the epidemic is shrinking, scientists advising the government gave their most optimistic outlook for the R number since cases fell last summer.