The estimated reproduction “R” number in England remains at over one and the epidemic could be growing by as much as three per cent each day, Britain's health ministry has said.

The estimated R number was between 1.0 and 1.2, meaning that on average, every 10 people infected will infect between 10 and 12 other people. Last week, it was estimated at between 1.0 and 1.1.

The daily case growth was estimated at 0pc to +3pc, remaining at the same rate as last week.