LONDON 19 Apr (ANA) - Schools could re-open as early as May 11, it is claimed, as ministers try to get Britain back to work. 

Experts have warned that 6.5 million jobs could be lost as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Research by the Institute for Social and Economic Research at the University of Essex says this is equivalent to around a quarter of the UK’s total jobs, with accommodation and food services particularly hard hit.

Today Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said no decision has been made on when schools will reopen, saying this will only happen "when the scientific advice indicates it is the right time to do so".

And a professor said the UK will have to learn to live with the constant threat of coronavirus for the "foreseeable future" as Prime Minister Boris Johnson is pressed to share a "roadmap" for how UK lockdown measures will be lifted.

David Nabarro, professor of global health at Imperial College London and an envoy for the World Health Organisation on Covid-19, told The Observer: “"For the foreseeable future, we are going to have to find ways to go about our lives with this virus as a constant threat."

It has emerged that Boris Johnson reportedly skipped five Cobra meetings earlier this year as the coronavirus threat loomed over Britain.

The Government faces claims that Britain was badly prepared, calls to order protective gear were ignored and its own scientists’ warnings fell on deaf ears.

The news comes after the UK's coronavirus death toll soared to 15,538  - an increase of 847 victims.

PPE supplies at some hospitals could run out this weekend and staff fighting coronavirus have been asked to work without gowns due to the shortage.(ANA)

FA/ANA/19 April 2020-------