Experts downgrade coronavirus from alert level four to three

The chief medical officer has downgraded the UK’s coronavirus alert level from four to three on Friday.

This means that could be a “gradual relaxation of restrictions,” but also means that coronavirus is still considered to be “in general circulation.”

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said this a “big moment for the country” which demonstrates the government’s plans are working.

The Joint Biosecurity Centre, the chief medical officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, all recommended the decision to reduce the alert to level three.

In a joint statement they said, “There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues.

However, the experts warned it “does not mean that the pandemic is over” 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.”

Hancock added that recent progress in both factors showed “a real testament to the British people’s determination to beat this virus.

“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.”