UK lockdown unlikely to end before end of May, adviser says

Britain is unlikely to lift its stringent lockdown rules until the end of May, a leading government adviser said.

Professor Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London indicated that a transition from complete lockdown to less intensive measures, more based on technology and testing, is envisioned by the end of May.

The UK has implemented widespread shutdowns, closing non-essential businesses and urging citizens to stay home, to curb the spread of the virus.

The country has confirmed nearly 40,000 cases and 3,605 deaths, with some experts questioning the long-term cost of the economic shutdown.

Chief pandemic modeler Graham Medley expressed concern that Britain has "painted itself into a corner" with no clear exit strategy, which could harm children and vulnerable people.

Health minister Matt Hancock has set a goal of 100,000 tests per day by the end of April, though industry leaders have questioned the feasibility due to shortages.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who has tested positive for COVID-19, plans to brief opposition leaders on the emergency situation.