Coronavirus: How does the Covid-19 alert level system work?
- Published
The UK's coronavirus alert level is expected to be upgraded to five - the highest level.
It means there is now a risk of the NHS being overwhelmed.
How is the alert level set?
Risk levels are measured by a five-level, colour-coded alert system.
The government unveiled the system in May. The prime minister said it would help decide how tough social-distancing measures should be.
There are five levels:
- Level five (red) - a "material risk of healthcare services being overwhelmed" - extremely strict social distancing
- Level four - a high or rising level of transmission - enforced social distancing
- Level three - the virus is in general circulation - social distancing relaxed
- Level two - the number of cases and transmission are low - minimal social distancing
- Level one (green) - Covid-19 is no longer present in the UK - no social distancing
What determines the level?
Who sets the level?
The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) - set up by the government in May - 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. In England, those decisions are determined by the government's five tests.
However, the alert level system is used by the UK governments to help their decisions on lockdown.
The threat level should not be confused with the tier system, which determines how severe the restrictions are.