Four UK nations move to lower Covid-19 alert level

The UK’s four nations have moved to lower the Covid-19 alert level.

The chief medical officers of Wales, England, Scotland and Northen Ireland have agreed to move the alert level from 4 to 3.

According to the medical experts this is due to the efforts of the public with social distancing and the successful vaccination programme.

Zero coronavirus deaths have been announced in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland on Monday, while four have been reported in Wales.

The new alert level means while the virus is still in circulation, restrictions can be gruadually eased.

In a joint statement Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton, for for England, Professor Chris Whitty, for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride, for Scotland, Dr Gregor Smith, NHS England National Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis, said:

“Following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and in the light of the most recent data, the UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England National Medical Director agree that the UK alert level should move from level 4 to level 3.

“Thanks to the efforts of the UK public in social distancing and the impact we are starting to see from the vaccination programme, case numbers, deaths and Covid hospital pressures have fallen consistently. However Covid is still circulating with people catching and spreading the virus every day so we all need to continue to be vigilant. This remains a major pandemic globally.

“It is very important that we all continue to follow the guidance closely and everyone gets both doses of the vaccine when they are offered it.”