Boris Johnson’s new three-tier system, which is only being rolled out in England, will see areas put into different categories based on the number of coronavirus cases – seeing them classed as medium, high or very high risk. Addressing a Downing Street press conference on Monday night, Mr Johnson said cases nationally had gone up four times in four weeks, there are more Covid-19 patients in UK hospitals than on March 23 when the country went into lockdown, and deaths are rising.
MPs will debate and vote on the measures on Tuesday and, should it be approved, the new tiered system will come into effect on Wednesday.
But Prof Whitty warned the measures could become stricter should more be required to suppress the virus.
He said: “I am not confident, and nor is anybody confident, that the tier three proposals for the highest rates… if we did the absolute base case, and nothing more, would be enough to get on top of it.
“And that is why there’s a lot of flexibility in the tier three level for local authorities, guided by the directors of public health, to actually go up that range, so that they can do significantly more than the absolute base because the base will not be sufficient.”
READ MORE: Coronavirus: Do you agree with the tier your area has been placed in? – VOTE
Local COVID alert level: medium – Tier 1
All areas in England are medium, apart from those listed below as high or very high.
These restrictions include the Rule of Six and the 10pm curfew for pubs, bars and restaurants.
You must also wear a face covering in those areas where this is mandated and you should continue to follow social distancing rules, and work from home where you can effectively do so.
You should also, when travelling, plan ahead or avoid busy times and routes. Walk or cycle if you can.
