The country will have to "adjust to a new normal" as it prepares for life after lockdown, the Foreign Secretary warned today.
Dominic Raab also said the next phase of the UK lockdown "will not be easy" as he spoke at the Downing Street daily press conference.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson is this week set to lay out his plans for potential easing of the restrictions and re-starting the economy.
Mr Johnson's de facto deputy, the Foreign Secretary Mr Raab, said the PM would lay out “the measures and decisions that we will need to take to protect the NHS, to safeguard the economy and to avoid the risk of a second peak."
However he said the next phase of the response to coronavirus would have to create a sustainable “new normal” which would protect the NHS but also safeguard the economy.
Speaking at today's Downing Street briefing he said: “As we consider the decisions that we will take next to protect life but also to protect our way of life, it’s now clear that the second phase will be different.
“We will need to adjust to a new normal where we as a society adapt to safe new ways to work, to travel, to interact and to go about our daily lives.
“We have never experienced anything like this first stage of Covid-19 in terms of the scale of the lives lost but also the lockdown it has required.
“As we go forward we want to make sure that the next phase is more comfortable, is more sustainable and prevents lasting damage to jobs and livelihoods.”
However he added: "We need to be under no illusions, the next stage won’t be easy.
“If we are going to protect life and preserve our way of life, we must continue to be guided by the scientific advice we received and make sure that the next steps we take are sure-footed and sustainable."
Scientists have already warned some form of social distancing is likely to be required until a vaccine is found, which is unlikely to be for several more months at least.
However a Downing Street spokesman today said allowing "small defined groups" to meet up outdoors was one of a number of "easements" being considered as the First Minister of Scotland said the move was being considered there.
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