On Saturday authorities announced another 888 coronavirus related deaths in UK hospitals. This takes the total to over 15,000 since the crisis began.

However the real figure may well be significantly higher, as home and care home deaths aren’t included in the Government’s figures.

The Government has extended Britain’s coronavirus lockdown for another three weeks.

There are growing concerns in Whitehall about the impact this will have on the economy.

Speaking to the Sunday Times one source compared the economic consequences of a greatly extended lockdown to “the end of civilisation”.

Another said: “If we don’t start lifting the lockdown in the next few weeks there won’t be anything left to come back to.”

The paper reports a briefing document seem by ministers warns 60 percent of businesses will run out of cash reserves within three months whilst some airlines will run out of money “within a matter of weeks”.

The report also suggests six out of ten local newspapers could go bust whilst a third of fashion companies will come under threat within a month.

Under current lockdown rules people should only leave the house for essential shopping, once a day for exercise or to work if they can’t do so from home.

There are fears these restrictions may have to be extended further for the over-70s, with elderly people known to be far more vulnerable to the virus.

Speaking to the Sunday Times a Tory source said: “The over-70s will have to stay at home until there’s a vaccine.”

The time taken to develop and mass produce a vaccine means the lockdown for this group could theoretically be extended until autumn 2021.

The Government is reportedly looking to end the UK’s lockdown in three stages.

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In the first step some children will return to school, though class sizes will be smaller and lessons may only take place on certain days of the week.

May 11 has been suggested as a possible date for reopening schools, but this could be pushed back into July or August.

Potentially this could see schools active during the traditional summer school holiday.

The final decision is expected to be made by Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Mr Johnson is currently recuperating after suffering from coronavirus.

The Prime Minister spent three days in an intensive care unit during his treatment.

According to The Times phase two of ending the lockdown, which could see shops and work places reopening, may take place in July.

Speaking to the paper a Government source said: “The lockdown isn’t going to be lifted geographically but there will be some differentiation by age group based on risk.”

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