A joint statement has been issued today from the UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs), ahead of the Government press conference this afternoon, recommending that the UK COVID-19 alert level move from level 4 to level 3.

The statement is as follows: '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.'

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
Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Frank Atherton
NHS England National Medical Director, Professor Stephen Powis

(source: www.gov.uk/, image: pexels)