Steve Powis answers question at daily coronavirus press briefing in Downing Street

The transcript discusses the availability and importance of R rate data, highlighting its variability across regions and the necessity of keeping it below 1 to avoid overwhelming the health service and prevent a second peak. The current R rate is estimated between 0.5 and 0.9, and maintaining it below 1 is crucial for lifting lockdown measures.

What was promised regarding the R rate data?

• An increase in the R rate

• A decrease in the R rate

• More data on R rate variations across the country

• No changes in the R rate data

What is the estimated range of the R rate mentioned?

• 1.0 to 1.5

• 0.5 to 0.9

• 1.6 to 2.0

• 0.1 to 0.4

How does the R rate vary?

• It remains constant across all regions

• It varies from place to place and over time

• It only changes during the summer

• It is the same in all four nations

Why is it important to keep the R rate below 1?

• To allow for more travel

• To increase the number of new cases

• To prevent a second peak and avoid overwhelming the health service

• To ensure economic growth

What is a key requirement to avoid putting pressure on the health service?

• Keeping the R rate above 1

• Ignoring the R rate

• Increasing the R rate

• Ensuring the R rate is below 1