COVID-19 alert level: update from the UK Chief Medical Officers

On January 4th 2021 at 20.00 hours A joint statement from the UK Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) recommending that the UK COVID-19 alert level move from level 4 to level 5. This prompted the Prime Minister to broadcast to the nation.

The CMOs stated that following advice from the Joint Biosecurity Centre and in the light of the most recent data, the 4 UK Chief Medical Officers and NHS England Medical Director recommend that the UK alert level should move from level 4 to level 5.

Many parts of the health systems in the 4 nations are already under immense pressure. There are currently very high rates of community transmission, with substantial numbers of COVID patients in hospitals and in intensive care.

Cases are rising almost everywhere, in much of the country driven by the new more transmissible variant. We are not confident that the NHS can handle a further sustained rise in cases and without further action there is a material risk of the NHS in several areas being overwhelmed over the next 21 days.

Although the NHS is under immense pressure, significant changes have been made so people can still receive lifesaving treatment. It is absolutely critical that people still come forward for emergency care. If you require non-urgent medical attention, please contact your GP or call NHS 111.

With lockdowns already in place in Northern Ireland and Wales, England and Scotland announced new Covid-19 restrictions.

In England, restrictions come into effect today, 5 January, and are expected to last until mid-February if hospitals’ situation improves. The goal is to have vaccinated everyone in the top four priority groups, including all frontline healthcare staff, by that point.

During this period, people cannot leave or be outside their home except where they have a ‘reasonable excuse’, which includes:
• Work – where you cannot do your job from home
• Essential activities – to buy things at shops or obtain services, which includes on behalf of a disabled or vulnerable person or someone self-isolating
• Medical reasons – such as medical appointments and emergencies, Covid-19 testing and vaccination etc.