Social distancing may need to be in place for YEARS to stop second wave of coronavirus, government experts warn
SOCIAL distancing rules could be in place "indefinitely" to stop a second wave of coronavirus, government experts are said to have warned.
Even after the strictest lockdown ends, Britons might need to be asked to avoid large gatherings, work from home and stay 6ft apart for months or even years.
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Plans are being drawn up to begin easing the lockdown from early June after a predicted fall in Covid-19 hospital admissions, according to .
Experts are preparing to lift restrictions "in reverse", possibly re-opening schools first followed by shops and pubs - with the ban on large gatherings last to end.
But scientists have warned some measures could stay to prevent coronavirus infections from spiking again.
They are considering asking the public to continue voluntary social distancing, such as avoiding visiting relatives and working from home as much as possible.
Experts say we might have to change to our way of life "indefinitely", at least until a vaccine is developed, but it might be impossible to eradicate the virus.
Planners are also concerned about the impact of lifting restrictions all at once.
Measures under consideration by the government and teaching unions include allowing different age groups to return to school at different times.
Older classes facing exams in 2021 would get priority under the "staggered approach".
A senior government source told the Telegraph: "Even if they did come back you would need social distancing, and that is hard to do in a class of 30.
"You couldn't have everyone back at the same time."
The Daily Mail reports a vaccine is still 18 months away and some restrictions will have to remain in place until then.
Scientists say an effective vaccine is the only genuine "exit strategy" from the crisis, meaning the country will have to adjust to a "new normal".
Jonathan Van-Tam, the deputy chief medical officer, said Britain was still in a "dangerous phase" after the highest daily death toll of 980 yesterday.
Chiefs have pleaded with the public to heed advice to stay inside over the Bank Holiday weekend as temperatures hit 24C.
Matt Hancock, the Health Secretary, said: "This Easter will be another test of the nation's resolve.
"However warm the weather, however tempting your local beach or park, we need everyone to stay at home."
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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".
Yesterday's grim figures from the Department of Health revealed the total number of cases has risen to 70,272 – up from 65,077 infections the day before.
The majority of the record daily death toll came in England, where 866 people died.
Mr Hancock told said the devastating figures did not mean the NHS was 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.”
Officials believe new Covid-19 infections will peak on Easter Sunday and the NHS is braced for a “tsunami” of cases this weekend.
Scientists modelling 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.
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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 £960 or even be arrested.
As temperatures hit 24C, 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.
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.
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England's Chief Nursing Officer Ruth May said she had seen large groups gathering in London today 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 neighbours 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."
