Alok Sharma speaks at daily press conference on Covid-19 from Downing Street

Professor Stephen Powers provides an update on the UK's coronavirus response, including testing numbers, hospitalizations, and fatalities. He introduces a new COVID alert level system to monitor progress and adjust social distancing measures based on the virus's threat level. The system uses the R value and case numbers to determine the necessary measures, emphasizing the importance of controlling the virus.

What is the purpose of the new COVID alert level system being established?

How do the alert levels affect social distancing measures?