Health Secretary Matt Hancock has told MPs that the UK is "at the peak" of the coronavirus outbreak but warned there are still five crucial steps before they can consider lifting lockdown.
Speaking at today’s Downing Street press conference as the number of UK hospital deaths soared above 18,000, Mr Hancock thanked the public for following social distancing rules but said they will not risk relaxing the measures just yet.
Last week, the Government announced that the UK would remain in a state of lockdown for at least another three weeks and have remained cautious about speculating when the country could begin to return to normality.
Cabinet Office Minister Michael Gove also shot down reports over the weekend that a "three-stage" exit strategy was being drawn up government ministers and scientists which would see restrictions easing in phases, between May and July.
But what officials have been clear on is the "five tests" that must be met before lockdown restrictions will be relaxed or changed, these are:
- Daily death rate falls 'sustainably and consistently'
- Rate of infection decreases to a manageable level across the UK
- Ensuring that the NHS can cope with the demand on services
- When the supply of tests and PPE can meet future demand
Once experts are confident there is no risk of a second peak in infections
Delivering today's update, Matt Hancock reiterated that while experts are confident the country has reached its "peak" these requirements still stand.
He said: "We have been clear that we will not risk lives by relaxing the social distancing rules before our five tests have been met.
"First, that the NHS can continue to cope, second, that the operational challenges can be met, third, that the daily death rate falls sustainably and consistently, fourth, that the rate of infection is decreasing, and most importantly, that there is no risk of a second peak."
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