Coronavirus (COVID-19) protective measures: indicators and data

World Health Organisation (WHO) six conditions review

To inform our progress through the national easings, we committed to undertaking regular reviews of the state of the epidemic and our response to it, to ensure that it remains safe to proceed.  We adopted the six criteria recommended by the WHO in assessing conditions for safe easing.  This approach draws on quantitative metrics, including measures of NHS capacity, alongside assessments of the capability, readiness and delivery progress of key COVID-19 policies such as vaccine rollout and expansion of community testing.

1. Evidence shows that COVID-19 transmission is controlled.

2. Sufficient public health and health system capacities are in place to identify, isolate, test and treat all cases, and to trace and quarantine contacts.

3. Outbreak risks are minimized in high vulnerability settings, such as long-term care facilities (i.e. nursing homes, rehabilitative and mental health centres) and congregate settings.

4. Preventive measures are established in workplaces, with physical distancing, handwashing facilities and respiratory etiquette in place, and potentially thermal monitoring.

5. Manage the risk of exporting and importing cases from communities with high-risks of transmission.

6. Communities have a voice, are informed, engaged and participatory in the transition.