DNA Explainer: What is R-Factor? Know how it predicts the spread of COVID-19 In less than two months of states gradually easing restrictions induced by the second wave, Indiaâs R-Factor is again reaching concerning levels. Share Updated: Aug 4, 2021, 01:25 PM IST India’s R-Factor is at the alarming value of 1 for the first time since early May when the second wave was still rampaging through the country, having peaked at 1.37 between March 9 and April 21. The trend then started declining to reach 0.78 between May 15 and June 26, before starting to climb back up. India’s R-Factor stood at 0.95 between July 3 and July 22. In the recent update, the number is now rising across 8 states. Officials fear the situation may again be getting out of control.