COVID-19 alert level to move from Level 4 to Level 3

The UK Chief Medical Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reviewed the evidence and agree with this recommendation to move to Level 3 across the UK.

However, the Department of Health and Social Care has warned that the virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur. In a Tweet, it advised the public to continue washing hands and keep 2 metre distancing.

A statement was provided by Chief Medical Officer for England, Professor Chris Whitty; Chief Medical Officer for Northern Ireland, Dr Michael McBride; Chief Medical Officer for Scotland, Dr Gregor Smith; and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Chris Jones.

The CMOs announced: "There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues. It does not mean that the pandemic is over. The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur.

"We have made progress against the virus thanks to the efforts of the public and we need the public to continue to follow the guidelines carefully to ensure this progress continues."