Coronavirus: How does the Covid-19 alert level system work?

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The UK's coronavirus alert level is going down to three. It means there is no longer a rising level of transmission.

The country was at level five - the highest - from early January. It then moved down to level four in late February.

Why has the alert level gone down?

"Case numbers, deaths and Covid hospital pressures have fallen consistently," the UK's chief medical officers said in a joint statement.

They said the decision to lower the alert level was thanks to social distancing efforts by the public and "the impact we are starting to see" from the vaccination programme.

Level three means the virus is still in general circulation.

People are still "catching and spreading the virus every day", said the statement - and it urged people to continue to be vigilant.

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How are the levels set?

Risk levels are measured by a five-level, colour-coded alert system.

The government unveiled the system in May 2020.

There are five levels:

  • Level five (red) - a "material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed"
  • Level four - a high or rising level of transmission
  • Level three - the virus is in general circulation
  • Level two - the number of cases and transmission are low
  • Level one (green) - Covid-19 is no longer present in the UK

What determines the level?

  • Covid-19's reproduction (R) number, a scientific measure of how fast the virus is spreading
  • The number of confirmed coronavirus cases at any one time

Who sets the level?

The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) - set up by the government in spring last year - has the task of recommending what the alert level should be.

JBC scientists identify changes in infection rates using testing, environmental and workplace data.

The JBC also has an "insight team" which monitors local spikes of Covid-19 and advises health officials and local authorities.

Their recommendations are then reviewed and agreed by the chief medical officers of the four UK nations.

Does a change of level mean that restrictions are eased or tightened?

Not automatically. The Covid-19 alert level system is separate and independent from any government decisions on easing or tightening restrictions.