Covid: 5 unanswered questions about the new alert system

New restrictions on daily life are being enforced in parts of the United Kingdom, where the risk of developing a coronavirus is considered highest.

This includes restrictions on meeting friends and family and getting to pubs, and is part of the government’s new three-tier alert system.

The UK Council is placed on “medium,” “high,” or “very high” warnings with various levels of restrictions.

However, the question remains as to how these are determined and how the council can terminate them.

Who is at the top and why?

Liverpool is vigilant, although in some areas where the incidence of coronavirus is very high, it is currently not very vigilant.

In the last week, Manchester is the second highest rate in England, ahead of all but one of the Liverpool city areas, but only alert.

Similarly, Newcastle upon Tyne, Nottingham, Leeds and Sheffield are currently ranked higher in case rates than many in Liverpool, but they are not in the same hierarchy.

• How does the 3-layer lockdown system work?

We asked the Department of Health (DHSC) to explain this. The reason is as follows.

• Increasing number and increase of coronavirus cases
• Positive rate (or percentage of tests that returned positive)
• Pressure on the NHS
• Which age group is infected

The six municipalities that make up the Liverpool City Region have very high case rates overall. On the other hand, the regions that make up Manchester are ranked high, but slightly lower than the regions in Liverpool City.

And in recent weeks, this case rate has increased more rapidly in Liverpool than in Manchester.

The latest hospital data is not available at the local level.

But during September Number of confirmed and occupied beds Coronavirus cases at major hospitals in the Liverpool city area increased more rapidly than in Manchester. However, this data is only available until the beginning of October.

Localized data doesn’t tell you who is catching the virus.

But look Highly localized case rate in the United KingdomThe two worst “hotspots” (out of 7,200 areas in the country) were Nottingham University and Nottingham Trent University.

Explain why very high warnings were not introduced because this age group is not considered high risk if students are raising fees in some municipalities in a controlled environment such as a college campus There is likely to be.

Also, as suggested in the case of Liverpool, if there are hotspots in populated municipalities, this could allow public health authorities to take stronger precautions.

How does the council get out of the highest ranks?

This is not laid out.

The government states that it reviews very high-risk areas every four weeks, but does not explain what it considers to be appropriate progress. You may consider some of the above factors.

It is worth pointing out that some areas that were previously in the local blockade, such as Luton, Leicester, and Audby and Wigston, are loosening as progress is made.

• It’s not clear if local lockdown works

What role does the local mayor play?

Nine directly elected mayors of the United Kingdom, six of whom are in the north and Midland, do not formally control public health regulations.

But when asked about his power to put Manchester, who is currently very vigilant, on very high alert limits, Mayor Andy Burnham told the BBC, “If you ask the government for it, we will get it. Let’s do it. “

Similarly, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said at a press conference in Downing Street yesterday that additional restrictions on Merseyside were “agreeed” with the local mayor.

This was argued by Mayor Steve Rotherham of the local metropolis, who said they were “dictated to us.”

It is not clear if the mayor has the power to resist being placed in either layer.

In areas with the most stringent local regulations, the Prime Minister suggested “government set baselines” and then “cooperate with local government leaders on additional measures to be taken.”

Why do restaurants and pubs that serve food have to be closed?

On September 21, the government’s scientific adviser Immediate temporary closure Of all bars, restaurants and cafes. They said that going to them was associated with “increased risk” and that outbreaks were associated with these locations.

However, hospitality facilities in almost every region of the UK are allowed to continue operating in accordance with the 10 pm curfew and other regulations.

Restaurants can remain open, even where they face the most stringent restrictions. Pubs and bars can do the same if they serve a “rich meal”, but alcohol can only be served with food.

I asked the government why such places were exempt.

“It was thought to be a riskier environment than other indoor environments, but by limiting the time customers spend at these venues, we are increasing safety and reducing the risk of infection.” is.

This is another story in central Scotland, with most licensed facilities such as pubs, bars and restaurants. Closed for at least 2 weeks As part of a “circuit breaker”, we try to reduce virus infections.

• When and how can a pub open?

Why are travel in the UK restricted, but not abroad?

According to the government, people should avoid entering and exiting the area under the highest alert levels, except for reasons such as work or education.

We also advise highly vigilant residents not to stay overnight in other areas.

However, no additional restrictions apply to international travel from affected areas.

Currently, the UK Government is not advising non-essential trips to countries on the “Travel Corridor” list.

Therefore, flying from Liverpool Airport, which is at the highest alert level, to one of these destinations does not go against government advice, but spending vacations in other parts of the UK is.

We asked the government for the rationale behind this decision, but it has not yet been provided.

Report by Eleanor Lawrie, Ben Butcher and Oliver Barnes

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