Coronavirus lockdown measures could remain in place "for a very period of time", Downing Street has suggested.
It comes as Boris Johnson chaired his first Cabinet meeting since he was admitted to hospital with Covid-19, just over three weeks ago.
The Government was set to discuss its lockdown exit strategy as it faces ongoing pressure to release its plans while social distancing measures cripple the economy.
After the meeting, the Prime Minister’s official spokesman was asked about reports that the lockdown may be extended until June.
He said that the UK will have to take measures "for a long period of time", telling reporters: “I think we will have to wait for the review to take place and I don’t think it is wise for me to pre-empt that.
“What you’ve obviously heard from Chris Whitty is that this is a disease that is going to be around for a significant amount of time – he’s said we have to be realistic. We’re going to have to do a lot of things for a long period of time.”
The spokesman added: “Let’s not pre-empt the review but, as the PM himself has said, the worst thing we could do is relax the social distancing measures too soon and throw away all of the progress which has been made thanks to the hard work and sacrifice of the British public.
The comments came after the PM chaired the daily coronavirus morning meeting, followed by meetings of his political Cabinet and full Cabinet.
Chief medical officer Professor Chris Whitty and chief scientific adviser Sir Patrick Vallance updated the Cabinet on the response to coronavirus so far, the PM's spokesman said.
Secretaries of State then updated colleagues on the work their departments are doing.
Downing Street also insisted the Government is “working hard” to hit its target of 100,000 coronavirus tests day by the end of Thursday.
The PM’s spokesman said that as of April 28, testing capacity had been increased to 77,365 and told a Westminster briefing: “The target is for 100,000 tests today and the Health Secretary and all of his team are working hard to hit it.”
He added: “You can chart the progress that we’ve made towards hitting that target and that we are working hard today to ensure that people who need tests get them.”
Earlier on Thursday, Justice Secretary Robert Buckland acknowledged the 100,000 target may not be met.
The PM’s spokesman said 42 drive-through test sites are now open and 17 mobile sites are operational.
