Why did they decide to base action on the R rate in the first place? When it seems to be hard to measure and imprecise.

[KetoPenguin]

I just read a report that said the R rate in Scotland is "probably" higher than 1 and may be as high as 1.4. I mean doesn't anyone know? The scientists and politicians must have known it's a pretty rough estimate when they decided to use R as a guide to the stages of lockdown a few months ago. What do they use to work it out, a piece of seaweed? Stick a pin in the map? The A level algorithm?

Because it looks like they are using “science n data” and people will fall for it. It’s just a method of controlling people.

I know they aren't basing local lockdown on the R any more but it annoys me whenever they say something like "We think it's probably about 0.8-1.1."