it could be at least six months before life returns to normal following the coronavirus lockdown, a leading medic has said.
Dr Jenny Harries, deputy chief medical officer for England, made the comments during the televised daily briefing on COVID-19 on Sunday.
Paul Brand from ITV News asked Dr Harries if current measures in place will continue beyond three weeks.
Dr Harries said the UK has only had one week of the measure and that the Prime Minister said the situation would be "reviewed" after the three weeks.
But she added it would be "quite dangerous" to then revert to normal life.
"If we stop then all of our efforts will be wasted," she said.
Measures may be reduced gradually over time.
She said it might be two or three months before we see the longer-term impact, and about three to six months before we see a "point we can actually get back to normal".
"And it is plausible it could go further than that", she added.
Speaking at the government's daily coronavirus briefing, Dr Jenny Harries added: "This is not to say we would be in complete lockdown for six months."
But, she added, "We have to be really, really responsible and keep doing what we're all doing."
On Monday, March 23, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced strict new measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the UK.
He announced that the measures would be in place for three weeks.
They would then be reviewed.
People are not allowed to leave their homes unless it is to shop for essential items, to exercise once a day, for essential work or for medical reasons.
Police have the powers to issue fines and split up social gatherings.
Shops, restaurants, cafes, bars and venues have been shut during the nationwide lockdown.
It is unclear at this stage when they will reopen as the coronavirus continues to spread in the UK.
