Richard Holden, MP for North West Durham, welcomes the good news that the COVID-19 alert level has moved from Level 4 to Level 3.
It was recommended by the Joint Biosecurity Centre that the alert level can move from Level 4, meaning an epidemic is in general circulation and transition is high or rising, to Level 3, meaning an epidemic is in general circulation. The Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC) was established by the Government to bring together expertise to inform on decisions on tackling the virus. The JBC is made up of epidemiologists and analysts from across Government and the health service, and they are able to monitor the virus to give ministers advice and recommendations to manage the disease. They work closely with the Chief Medical Officer.
The Chief Medical Officers have agreed with the recommendation to downgrade the alert level, having reviewed the evidence, and moved the alert level to Level 3 across the UK. Although the virus is still in general circulation and there are concerns of localised outbreaks, the country has seen a steady and continuous decrease in cases following the lockdown and regulations implemented by the Government.
Commenting, Richard stated ‘It is simply fantastic that, thanks to the effort of the public, we have made such huge progress against the virus. People have been working incredibly hard to stick to all the regulations – I know that everyone in North West Durham has done their bit, whether it’s by shopping for the vulnerable to ensure that they can stay home or setting up new measures for staff to work from home. As the alert level comes down, we can start to look towards the future and the next steps for the country. We have already seen the reopening of non-essential shops and, if we continue to stick to the guidelines and be sensible, we will hopefully see further restrictions lifted soon.’
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