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The UK’s COVID-19 alert level has moved from level three to level four, meaning that transmission of the virus is high or increasing exponentially.
Medical directors for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland recommended raising the measure to the second highest level due to a “rapidly” rising number of cases.
the COVID-19 The alert level had previously been at four during the peak of the pandemic earlier this year, before dropping to three in mid-June, following a steady decline in the number of coronavirus Infections
The alert level was at three, but has now moved to four.
In announcing the decision to raise the alert level again, Medical Directors said in a statement: “CMOs in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reviewed the evidence and recommend that the four nations of the United Kingdom move to level 4”.
“After a period of fewer COVID cases and deaths, the number of cases is now increasing rapidly and probably exponentially in significant parts of the four nations.
“If we want to avoid significant excess deaths and exceptional pressure on the NHS and other health services during the fall and winter, everyone must follow social distancing guidelines, wear face covers correctly, and wash their hands regularly.
“We know this will be worrying news for many people; please follow the rules, take care of each other and together we will get through this.”
The medical chiefs took the move after a recommendation from the government’s Joint Biosafety Center.
Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “The increased alert level announced by UK Medical Directors reflects the significant shift in the current threat posed by the coronavirus.
“This country is now facing a tipping point in its response and it is vital that everyone do their part now to stop the spread of the virus and protect lives.
“The first line of defense has always been that we all do our part, remembering hands, face and space, the rule of six and the self-isolation of those who are at risk of transmitting the virus.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the creation of the Joint Center for Biosafety, and a five-level alert system to classify the threat of coronavirus, in May this year.
The alert level system is similar to that used for the terrorism threat in the UK.
The five levels are:
Level 5 – Highest on the scale, this indicates that there is a “material risk” that the NHS will be overwhelmed.
Level 4 – This means that the COVID-19 epidemic “is in general circulation” and the “transmission is high or is increasing exponentially”.
Level 3 – While this level also suggests that the epidemic is “in general circulation”, it omits the statement “transmission is high or increasing exponentially”. The alert level was lowered to level three in June and came amid the relaxation of some COVID-19 restrictions.
Level 2 – To change to this level, the government guide says that the virus would be present in the UK, but that the number of cases and transmission is low. It says this would allow “minimal or no measures of social distancing,” but with improved “testing, tracking, tracking and detection.”
Level 1 – This would indicate that “COVID-19 is not known to be present in the UK”. The guide suggests that the only action required at this stage would be “routine international monitoring.”
Earlier Monday, the government’s top science adviser warned that the UK could see around 50,000 COVID-19 cases per day mid-October if current infection rates continue.
Sir Patrick Vallance, speaking in a televised address from Downing Street, said such a situation could subsequently lead to 200 or more deaths per day in mid-November.
Professor Chris Whitty, England’s chief medical officer, told the public that the country should prepare for a harsh winter, and colder weather is expected to worsen the impact of the coronavirus.
“We should see this as a six-month problem that we have to deal with collectively, it is not indefinite,” he said.
