Some coronavirus restrictions could have to stay in place until next year, Downing Street appeared to admit today. Asked directly if measures could stay until 2021, the Prime Minister's spokesman stressed the government must do "everything we can" to keep the infection rate down.
And he did not deny claims by England's Chief Medical Officer - who last night said the country will likely need "very socially disruptive measures" into next year.
It raises the bleak prospect of pubs and restaurants - which Michael Gove said would be "among the last" to reopen - remaining shut until autumn or winter.
The PM's spokesman today stressed he was not making a prediction as it is too early to discuss lifting the lockdown - and said he would not