Covid-19 is not considered a High Consequence Infectious Disease - but it is still vital to observe lockdown

The UK government no longer classifies coronavirus as a High Consequence Infectious Disease (HCID), but this doesn't mean it's safe to resume normal life quite yet.

In January 2020, public health officials in the UK designated Covid-19 a HCID, using the information they had access to in the early stages of the country's outbreak.

However, the experts have now reconsidered that definition and, as of 19 March 2020, Covid-19 is no longer considered to be a HCID.

This decision was based on a review of the most up to date information we now have about the nature of the coronavirus strain, and how it spreads.

What is a HCID?

A HCID in the UK is defined according to the following criteria:

• acute infectious disease
• typically has a high case-fatality rate
• may not have effective prophylaxis or treatment
• often difficult to recognise and detect rapidly
• ability to spread in the community and within healthcare settings
• requires an enhanced individual, population and system response to ensure it is managed effectively, efficiently and safely

HCIDs are then further classified into two groups - contact and airborne HCIDs. The former are spread by direct contact with an infected patient or infected tissues, fluids and other materials - or indirect contact with contaminated materials and fomites (objects or materials which are likely to carry infection).

The latter are spread by aerosol transmission or respiratory droplets in addition to the contact routes of transmission.

Why is coronavirus no longer considered a HCID?

UK public health officials have determined that several features of the Covid-19 coronavirus have changed in the interim between January and March, meaning the virus no longer matches enough HCID criteria to be considered one.

More information is now available about mortality rates, showing that they are low, overall. There is also greater clinical awareness about the virus and a sensitive and specific laboratory test which is becoming increasingly available to those infected.

The Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens (ACDP) also confirmed that Covid-19 should no longer be classified as a HCID.