The UK's current lockdown measures could remain in place until June, Downing Street has hinted.
The country has been following the strict social-distancing rules since Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged people to stay home back in March.
The UK is nearing the end of its fifth week under lockdown after it was extended following a review on April 16.
The next decision is set to be made next week, on or around May 7.
Today (April 30), the PM's official spokesman was asked about reports that the lockdown may be extended for at least another month.
He told a Westminster briefing: "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 come as Mr Johnson chaired a meeting of his Cabinet before leading the government's daily press briefing later for the first time since he fell ill with coronavirus.
He's expected to give some hint on the lockdown 'exit strategy' as well as further detail on the five tests that need to be met before restrictions can be lifted.
