Coronavirus case numbers could reach 100,000 per day in the summer as restrictions are eased, according to Health Secretary Sajid Javid.
“By the time we get to the 19th, we would expect case numbers by then to be at least double what they are now, so around 50,000 new cases a day,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
“As we ease and go into the summer, we expect them to rise significantly and they could go as high as 100,000 case numbers.
“We want to be very straightforward about this, about what we can expect in terms of case numbers.
“But what matters more than anything is hospitalisation and death numbers, and that is where the link has been severely weakened.”
Earlier this morning Government adviser Professor Neil Ferguson warned Covid cases could reach at least 50,000.
Mr Javid is to announce new self-isolation rules for people who have been vaccinated today - ending the 10 day at home quarantine for some.
It comes after Boris Johnson yesterday announced almost all Covid restrictions in England look set to end on July 19.
Professor Sir Mark Walport, the Government’s former chief scientific adviser, said the lifting of Covid restrictions will make it “even more favourable” for the virus.
He told Sky News: “I don’t think anyone would have imagined taking off all restrictions at a time when there are 25,000 infections a day, doubling about every nine days.
“The reason it’s become possible for ministers to make this decision is because the vaccine programme has become so very successful and has weakened, but certainly not broken, the link between infection and the most serious consequences of disease.
“As the Prime Minister says, by July 19 it’s quite likely there’ll be 50,000 cases a day and when we do take off the restrictions it will make the conditions for transmission of the virus even more favourable for the virus.
“I think there is a very high priority to keep the vaccines up, and I think the other thing is the guidance needs to be very clear for people.”
Sir Mark added: “People are going to have to behave responsibly and that guidance really matters.”
