England’s chief medical officer also warned the next few weeks will be very difficult for the NHS.
He urged people to follow lockdown rules warning the UK has not yet hit the peak of the current wave of the coronavirus infection.
Professor Whitty added, “the worst” of the pandemic for the NHS is expected in the next few weeks.
He told the BBC: “I don’t think we’re yet at the peak, I’m afraid.
“I think we will be at the peak if everybody can double down and absolutely minimise their contacts.
“The point of the lockdown is to bring that forward, but it only works if everyone really thinks about every individual interaction they have and try and minimise them.”
