The rate of new infections in England has risen since last week, the latest government figures show, suggesting that every ten people with COVID-19 will infect between 10 and 11 people.

The R value range, which represents the average number of people one person with COVID-19 is likely to go on to infect, has increased to between 1.0 and 1.1 from 0.9 to 1.1 the week before.

The number of new infections in the UK is also estimated to be growing, at between 0 and 3 percent every day, up from -2 and 1 percent the week before.

The R value and growth rate are being closely watched by scientists and government officials, who are keen to ascertain whether the incremental relaxation of lockdown restrictions and the emergence of the variant first identified in India will lead to a surge in infections.

Growth in infections was highest in the North West, which had an R value of between 1 and 1.2 and a growth rate of 0 to 4 percent, followed by London. The infection rate was lowest in the North East and Yorkshire and the South East.

(With input from agencies)