Covid R-value below 1, scientists say spread has slowed down in India

The Covid-19 R-value in India dropped from 1.17 in August-end to 0.92 in mid-September, indicating that the spread of the infection has slowed down, according to researchers.

The R-value was 1.17 at the end of August. Then it declined to 1.11 between September 4-7 and has remained under 1since then.

Also Read Facing flak over vaccine discrimination, UK says engaging with India

Sitabhra Sinha of the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, leading a team of team researchers who calculate the R-value shared a positive news about Kerala and Maharashtra. In a much-needed relief R-values of both these states have been found to be below 1

The R-value of the national capital remains below 1 as well

However, the R-values of some major cities, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, are over 1.

According to the data, the R-value of Mumbai stands at 1.09, Chennai 1.11, Kolkata 1.04, Bengaluru 1.06.

The Reproduction number or R refers to how many people an infected person infects on average.