COVID-19 alert level now at Level Three

According to chief medical officers, the UK's COVID-19 alert level has been lowered from Level Four to Level Three.

This follows a recommendation by the Joint Biosecurity Centre, who are the chief medical officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Although the medical officers noted that there had been a continuous and steady decrease in cases across in the UK, they emphasised that the pandemic was not over and that there was likely to be chances of localised outbreaks still.

Previously, under Level Four, the COVID-19 epidemic was described as in 'general circulation' with transmission being 'high or rising exponentially'. Moreover, the governmental and social actions required under this level meant the continuation of the social distancing measures of 2 metres.

Now under Level Three, the epidemic is only described as in 'general circulation' without any mention of transmission rates. The subsequent action required under this level, mentions a 'gradual relaxing of restrictions and social distancing measures'.

Despite this, earlier today Prime Minister Boris Johnson told broadcasters and the public to "watch this space" when asked if the social distancing rule would be reduced in schools.

He told reporters during a visit to a Hertfordshire school that he wanted to make sure that classrooms were safe, and hinted that pupils and students could possibly come back to school in September 2020.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock has called the reduction in the alert level "a big moment for the country".