Improve Covid-19 alert level system to save lives

Coronavirus health warning poster on a Scottish high street. The UK's Covid-19 Alert Level system* is close to meaningless to the public and adds to confusion about what people should or shouldn't be doing, according to a new report by UCL researchers. The report, published by the UK's National Preparedness Commission (NPC), concludes that the five-level alert system is pointless because the levels are not linked to specific actions, unlike systems in other countries that have been praised for their response to the pandemic. The result is that the UK version has little value or benefit and just adds to the torrent of  messages the public receive, causing confusion and putting lives at risk, according to the  report, entitled Enhancing Warnings . The report's authors Dr Carina Fearnley and Professor Ilan Kelman, of the UCL Warning Research Centre, argue that warnings must translate into decisions and actions, otherwise  they are not fulfilling their purpose. In New Zealand, for example, the Covid-19 Alert Levels Summary sets out four levels, each with clear guidance on the risk assessment and range of measures in place across key sectors. As a unified and comprehensive source of information, it gives authorities the credibility, accountability and transparency they need to ensure everyone knows what to do, setting expectations and responsibilities from the outset.