THE alert level for Covid-19 across the UK should be increased, medical experts have advised.

In its recommendation, released on Monday, the Joint Biosecurity Centre said the level should move from three (a COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation) to four (a COVID-19 epidemic is in general circulation; transmission is high or rising exponentially).

The Chief Medical Officers for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland have reviewed the evidence and recommend all four nations of the UK should move to level four.

A spokesman for the Joint Biosecurity Centre said: "After a period of lower COVID cases and deaths, the number of cases are now rising rapidly and probably exponentially in significant parts of all four nations.

"If we are to avoid significant excess deaths and exceptional pressure in the NHS and other health services over the autumn and winter everyone has to follow the social distancing guidance, wear face coverings correctly and wash their hands regularly.

"We know this will be a concerning news for many people; please follow the rules, look after each other and together we will get through this.”

First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford, tweeted on Monday: "I spoke to the Prime Minister this afternoon and welcomed confirmation of a UK-wide COBRA meeting tomorrow.

"It’s crucial that the four UK nations work together to stop the spread of coronavirus and keep Wales and the UK safe. We are stronger when we work together."