England's simpler three-tier Covid system may not be enough

New rules should cut infection rates but are too late and open to abuse, say scientists

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The three-tier Covid alert system is a significant shift in the government's approach to the coronavirus crisis in England, and, while scientists broadly welcomed the simplified rules, there are concerns the restrictions come too late and are open to abuse.

A major benefit of the new system is that it clears up the confusing and messy patchwork of different rules in different places, which arose as regions in northern England, the Midlands and other parts of the country battled to contain local outbreaks. With simplicity and stability should come better compliance, and with that more control of the epidemic.