The coronavirus alert level in the UK has been downgraded from level four to level three.
Now, under level three, the virus is considered to be ‘in general circulation’, which means there could be even more ‘gradual relaxations on restrictions’, the BBC reports.
Under the previous alert level, transmission was considered ‘high or rising exponentially’.
The decision to reduce it was made 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.
They said in a statement: “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.”
The Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, has said the change is ‘a big moment for the country’, adding that the government’s plan was working.
He said: “The UK moving to a lower alert level is a big moment for the country, and a real testament to the British people’s determination to beat this virus.
“The Government’s plan is working. Infection rates are rapidly falling, we have protected the NHS and, thanks to the hard work of millions in our health and social care services, we are getting the country back on her feet.”
