UK Covid-19 alert reduced to 3 from 4

The UK's Covid-19 alert level has been reduced to 3 from 4, reflecting the decrease in cases across the country.

The downgrade means the disease is in general circulation but transmission is no longer high or rising fast. The change was recommended by the Joint Biosecurity Centre and agreed by chief medical officers for the UK's four countries.

"There has been a steady decrease in cases we have seen in all four nations, and this continues," the medical officers said. "It does not mean that the pandemic is over. The virus is still in general circulation, and localised outbreaks are likely to occur."

The downgrade suggests the government will go ahead with plans to continue opening up the economy from lockdown, including allowing pubs and restaurants to reopen from early July in line with distancing rules. Ministers were criticised in May for announcing relaxation plans while the alert level was still at four.

Matt Hancock, health secretary, said the downgrade was "a big moment for the country" in getting the virus under control. Level 3 means the epidemic is still in general circulation.