Coronavirus latest: UK alert level lowered from 4 to 3

Four UK chief medical officers have agreed with the change from level 4 to 3 on Monday, May 10, which means the epidemic is in 'general circulation' and transmission is no longer high or rising exponentially.

They have cited the declining coronavirus cases and deaths as well as the public continues to follow social distancing measures as among the reasons why the alert level should be lowered. 

According to the Government's alert system, level 3 should mean a 'gradual relaxing of restrictions and social distancing measures' and theoretically be in line with the measures set out by their roadmap.

A statement from the chief medical officers for England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales as well as NHS England national medical director Stephen Powys 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.”

The five alert levels include:

Level 1 : COVID-19 is not known to be present in the UK

Level 2 : COVID-19 is present in UK, but the number of cases and transmission is low

Level 3 : A COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation

Level 4 : A COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially

Level 5 : As level 4, and there is a material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed