In late September, England saw a substantial increase in coronavirus infections across the country before the R rate fell to around 1.1, suggesting a slowing in the growth of infection, according to the latest interim reports published from the Imperial College London study.
The largest study into Covid-19 in the country, the study examines levels of infection in general population in England by testing over 150,000 participants each month over a two-week period.
These new results, covering the period of September 18 to September 26, are the fourth set of interim results to have been released by the study to date and reinforces the need for the public to remain vigilant in combatting the virus.
Based on the current figures, it suggests an estimated 1 in every 200 people in England were infected with the virus. It also highlighted an increased prevalence of infection across all age groups and regions.
Professor Paul Elliott, Director of the programme at Imperial from the School of Public Health, said: “While our latest findings show some early evidence that the growth of new cases may have slowed, suggesting efforts to control the infection are working, the prevalence of infection is the highest that we have recorded to date.
“This reinforces the need for protective measures to limit the spread of the disease and the public’s adherence to these, which will be vital to minimise further significant illness and loss of life from Covid-19.”
The final report and findings of all 150,000 volunteers tested between September 18 and October 5 is expected to be published next week.
