Brits will have to contend with lockdown restrictions for much of the year and could even be toughened in badly hit areas, according to reports.
The nation has a long way to go as it learns to live with coronavirus, with certain draconian measures likely to still be in place into the final months of the year, it's claimed.
Downing Street officials are reportedly referring to steps after May 7 as the "next phase" while barring any use of the word 'exit' from discussions.
Restrictions are going to be lifted, but slowly, the Sun reports.
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One senior figure told the newsppaer : “We will try a bit at a time, and then pause, so we can see what effect that has on the transmission rate. The pace will be very gradual."
There is even the possibility for tougher restrictions in places where Covid-19 cases are still particularly high.
One Government source told The Sun due to the virus' spread varying, there are essentially three different epidemics at the same time.
It's slower in the wider community but quicker in care homes and hospitals.
There is still potential for schools to re-open before the end of the academic year, but the earliest would be June 1, according to reports.
The nation's workforce may be urged to remain home well into the summer months to avoid crowding on public transport.
Despite fears for the economy, the PM's spokesman has emphasised "the big concern is a second peak", which he said would do the most damage in the long-run.
Over the coming weeks, the Scientific Advisory Group for Emergencies (SAGE) - chaired by Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance - has been tasked with working out the affect on transmission rates of lifting certain measures.
While stand-in PM Dominic Raab is meeting twice a day with Michael Gove, Rishi Sunak and Matt Hancock as they keep on top of planning Britain's next steps.
Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden, meanwhile, said sports stadiums are unlikely to be re-opened for mass gatherings until the autumn at the earliest.
Mr Dowden said Whitehall has expected from the beginning that the peak would last three months and the current situation is "consistent with that".
The UK's virus strategy is now very similar to France with both having closely mirrored infection paths.
French PM Édouard Philippe has said cafes and restaurants will stay shut for months while people are likely to be told to wear masks on public transport.
Though he said supermarkets will re-open in May.
Former Chancellor Philip Hammond, meanwhile, has warned he expects the UK to see a 'U-shaped' economic slowdown thanks to the pandemic.
He has also urged Downing Street to clearly advise businesses on how to ease measures to enable the economy to bounce back.
Mr Hammond added Brits have been numbed to the country's economic consequences thanks to huge bailouts, but that they will demand the Government focuses on the ailing economy as the virus comes under control.
