UK coronavirus level increases due to cases "rising rapidly and exponentially"

The UK coronavirus level has increased from three to four as a new statement is released by four Chief Medical Officers across the UK.

The Joint Biosecurity Centre has recommended that the COVID-19 alert level should move from level three (COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation) to level four (COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation, transmission is high or rising exponentially).

The CMOs for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reviewed the evidence and recommend all 4 nations of the UK should move to level 4, a new statement released on the government website said.

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The statement said after a period of lower COVID cases and deaths, the number of cases are now "rising rapidly and probably exponentially in significant parts of all 4 nations".

Coronavirus testing PACoronavirus testing PA
Coronavirus testing PA

The statement - from 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 and Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales, Dr Chris Jones - continued: "If we are to avoid significant excess deaths and exceptional pressure in the NHS and other health services over the autumn and winter, everyone has to follow the social distancing guidance, wear face coverings correctly and wash their hands regularly.

"We know this will be a concerning news for many people.

"Please follow the rules, look after each other and together we will get through this."

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