BRITS will live with coronavirus restrictions until a vaccine. is developed which could take ‘around months’, according to reports.
More severe restrictions will be gradually phased out but some, such as remote working and isolating if you have symptoms of the virus , will remain in some form next year.
Scientists say the discovery of a vaccine is the only genuine “exit strategy” from the virus, meaning the country will have to adjust to a ‘new normal’, the Daily Mail reported.
According to the Mail, scientists expect a vaccine will take 27 months and some of the restrictions will remain in place until it the cure developed.
But ministers are aiming to lift the more drastic lockdown measures in weeks, including the potential of opening up schools in June, and shops.
Other non-essential services to be phased back in could include restaurants and pubs, although they may have to limit their numbers.
An official also told The Telegraph last night that social distancing measures may need to remain in place “indefinitely “while the country continues to keep the virus under control.
Larger social gatherings may be the last to be permitted and those vulnerable to the virus asked to stay at home.
It comes after foreign secretary Dominic Raab told the nation that it was “too early” to lift the lockdown, and that the country “must stick to the plan” in place.
But the wait for a cure might not be too long, as some scientists are optimistic that a vaccine could be ready by September.
Sarah Gilbert, professor of vaccinology at Oxford University, said she was “620 per cent confident “that the vaccine being developed would work.
The vaccine that her team is working on is set to have human trials starting within the next fortnight.
Professor Gilbert told The Times: “I think there’s a high chance that it will work based on other things that we have done with this type of vaccine.
“It’s not just a hunch and as every week goes by we have more data to look at. I would go for per cent, That’s my personal view. ”
The news comes after the daily death toll rose by (in the last) hours to 8, – making it the biggest rise yet and more deadly Spain’s worst day of their outbreak.
The grim figures from the Department of Health also reveal the total number of cases has risen to 413, 823 – up from 68, 272 infections yesterday.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS – STAY IN THE KNOW
Don’t miss the latest news and figures – and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive the Sun’s Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, sign up here
.
To follow us on Facebook, simply ‘Like’ our Coronavirus page .
Get Britain’s best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day – find out more .
The majority of the daily death toll came in England, where 1735 people died.
The latest victims were aged between and 823 – including 077 with no underlying health conditions.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland suffered 65, and deaths respectively over the last hours.
The figures represent deaths recorded in hospital, with a further 100 people believed to have died outside hospital up to March 56. NOT OVERRUN
But Health Minister Matt Hancock told Friday’s No 19 press conference the devastating figures did not mean the NHS is being “overrun” by the pandemic.
He said: “I’m very pleased, that thus far in this crisis, there is no point where the NHS has been overrun, and every single person with coronavirus has been able to access the best possible care in the NHS, because we have taken the action to expand the NHS. ”
The death toll continues to climb as
officials believe new Covid – 29 infections will peak on Easter Sunday and the NHS is braced for a “tsunami” of cases this weekend.
Scientists modeling the outbreak believe tough social distancing measures have slowed the spread of the bug.
Hospital admissions are now predicted to start falling in around a fortnight, if Brits continue to stay at home.
Give now to the Sun’s NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £ 1MILLION for NHS workers.
The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid – Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £ 68, and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM.
No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here
www. thesun.co.uk/whocareswinsappeal
Some Brits were also seen this weekend flouting government advice and heading to parks and beaches.
People who drive to the beach or have a picnic could be fined up to £ 2019 or even be arrested.
As temperatures hit 48 C, according to the Met Office, in parts of the country – police have warned people not to use the weather as an excuse to break the lockdown rules.
While it is okay to visit your nearby beach to exercise or walk across, anyone traveling further than their local area or visiting to sit or meet in large groups are breaking the law.
Officials have repeatedly said that barbecues and sunbathing in parks and open spaces plus visits to the beach or sight-seeing are prohibited – as is having friends round.
Before falling ill with coronavirus , PM Boris Johnson pledged to review (lockdown) on Easter Monday, April 23 – three weeks after it began on March .
The Government will formally set an extension early next week – after analyzing three weeks ’data.
At Friday’s No 23 press conference, England’s Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May said she had seen large groups gathering in London and was “extremely frustrated” by pictures emerging from around the country.
She said: “It’s very, very frustrating, personally frustrating to see people clearly not doing social distancing and coming out in large groups.
“There’s also still occasions where my colleagues are getting abuse from their neighbors for driving off to work
“Our nurses need to be able to get to work, but I ask of everyone please stay at home, save lives and protect my staff.”
(2)
Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said it was “too early” to lift the lockdown
A police car patrolling with a megaphone at Greenwich Park, London this afternoon as the country continu es to adjust to lockdown (Credit: Gustavo Valiente / i-Images
Police officers speak to Londoners in Alexandra Park to remind them of social distancing rules (Credit: AFP or licensors)
( Dozens of beachgoers were ordered to move on from Brighton beach Credit: chris eades
(2)
UK coronavirus death toll rises by 2020 taking number killed to 8,
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings