New three-tier COVID-19 alert system introduced in UK

LONDON: British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Monday announced a new three-level COVID-19 alert system that will be implemented across England, with Liverpool moved to the highest tier as the level being decided according to local infection rates.

Outlining the new strategy, Johnson said it simplify and standardise local rule by introducing a three-tier system of local COVIDalert levels in England, set at “medium”, “high” and “very high”.

He said the “medium” alert level, which will cover most part of the country, will consist of the current national measures, including the Rule of Six for people meeting, and the closure of hospitality (bars and restaurants) at 10 p.m. BST (2100 GMT).

The “high” alert level would reflect interventions in many local areas at the moment, primarily aimed at reducing household to household transmission, by preventing all mixing between different households or “support bubbles” indoors.

The “very high” level will apply where transmission rates are rising most rapidly and where the National Health Service (NHS) could soon be under unbearable pressure without further restrictions.

In those areas the government will set a baseline of prohibiting social mixing indoors and in private gardens as well as closing pubs and bars. But retail shops, schools and universities will remain open.

The Liverpool City Region will be placed in the “very high” level from Wednesday, and following talks with local leaders, that gyms, leisure centers, betting shops and casinos will also close, said Johnson.

Local officials will be allowed to impose their own added measures and restrictions, and call for help from the military if needed.

There was immediate reaction in Liverpool where the CEO of the city’s Chamber of Commerce, Paul Cherpeau, said businesses across Liverpool were bewildered, frustrated and angry by the new restrictions.

In Liverpool’s Beatles quarter musicians gathered for a silent protest as the new coronavirus lockdown restrictions on the city were announced.

Meanwhile, Angela Eagle, Labour MP for Wallasey which is one of the areas to be hit by the Liverpool lockdown, said financial support for those impacted by COVID-19 has been woefully inadequate.