Britain is extending its coronavirus lockdown measures by at least another three weeks, Foreign Minister Dominic Raab said.

The government’s decision to prolong its shelter-in-place restrictions followed a meeting with scientists earlier in the day. Raab, who is deputizing for Prime Minister Boris Johnson, said the rate of Covid-19 infections has not slowed enough to justify lifting the shutdown.

“Any change to our social-distancing measures now would risk a significant increase in the spread of the virus. That would threaten a second peak of the virus and substantially increase the number of deaths”, - said Raab.

Restrictions on public life have been in place in the U.K. since March 23. People have been told to stay at home, with the exception of limited shopping - for essential food and medical supplies - and exercise.