Chief Scientific Adviser Sir Patrick Vallance warned COVID-19 is likely to become a "seasonal virus" as he said the UK will only benefit from indirect protection, the so-called herd immunity, from the coronavirus if 60 percent of the population becomes infected.
Asked how many Britons will need to get coronavirus before herd immunity comes into play, Sir Patrick said: "Probably about 60 percent or so.
Related articles "60 percent is the sort of figure you need to get herd immunity.
"We think this virus is likely to be one that comes back year on year, become like a seasonal virus."
Please see our for details of your data protection rights.
Patrick Vallance said 60 percent of Britons must get the virus for herd immunity to kick in (Image: SKY NEWS) "The second is, of course, protect the elderly and the vulnerable to make sure, during that peak, they are protected."
Herd immunity is where the spread of a contagious disease is stopped due to a high proportion of individuals, but not necessarily all, becoming immune to the disease.